Fourteen horses kept in plain sight in an open field on the south outskirts of Belfast have sparked urgent calls for a new animal welfare investigation ahead of an expected cold snap.

Concerned residents in the area and others passing by the field where the horses are kept are urging the local council to send animal welfare officers to the Mill Road site again.

Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council was contacted on November 4 by people concerned about the horses.

The council, after investigation, however concluded that “the basic needs of horses are met”.

An animal protection officer who visited the scene said he was “satisfied that the basic needs of the horses are being met”.

“The horses were in good physical condition, had access to water and three hay troughs. Shelter was available for the horses if needed. The council has closed its investigation,” the council spokesperson said.

However, fears are growing as the first cold spell forecast for winter approaches, expected next week.

The horses were moved to the field on Mill Road about three weeks to a month ago.

One local resident said he feared for his well-being and expressed concern as colder weather approached, potentially including sleet and even snow.

A local horse owner, who also expressed concerns about the welfare of the animals, described the land as possibly unfit for proper care, exposed and said the field was poorly cut.