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US 'Looking Into' Reports Of Horse Deaths Caused By Low-Flying Jets

The US military is looking into reports that at least three horses had to be shot this week after being scared by low-flying American fighter jets.

The aircraft, believed to be F-15s operating from RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, are said to have been so loud and flown so low that some feared they were going to crash.

Now, a Facebook appeal for information on Thursday has been shared over 1,000 times and attracted hundreds of comments.

Other people commented to say they also knew of horses that had to be put down, while reports surfaced of the noise having made children cry and unnerved mourners at a wake.

A spokesman for US forces at RAF Lakenheath told Forces News:

"We are aware of the incident and are looking into it... And we will continue to look into it until we find out what happened."

Explaining why horses have to be shot in these cases, Teri Whittaker told the Plymouth Herald:

"Any noises that are very loud or things that are fast moving or bigger than them cause them to switch into fight or flight mode.

"Unfortunately they [horses] can be pretty senseless and can run into fencing or buildings. Once they've sustained such serious injuries that they cannot stand or walk a very tough decision needs to be made as to the welfare and quality of life that horse will have."

"Unlike cats and dogs, horses cannot spend time recovering lying down off their legs for long periods. Their body mass puts too much pressure on their lungs and other vital organs.

"With exceptionally prolonged periods of not standing their muscles can deteriorate leaving them too weak and unable to walk or stand. There is no coming back from this state, only suffering. This is why many people end up having to make this awful decision."