A HORSE abandoned in Whiteparish was "struggling to walk" and "ridden" with lice.

The black cob cross filly was discovered on Sunday (January13) in Moor Lane by a member of the public who contacted the RSPCA.

RSPCA Inspector Charlotte Coggins said: “She is very skinny and ridden with lice. She also has lots of scalding to the back legs with horrendous diarrhoea and was very subdued, struggling to walk and lacking energy.

“She is now receiving the care and kindness she needs and beginning her recovery.”

The young horse, who does not have a microchip, has been named Arion by her rescuers after the Greek mythological immortal horse because of her survival skills.

She added: “We’re really keen to hear from anyone who can help us find out who abandoned her and asking anyone with information to call us on 0300 123 8018.

The animal welfare charity says Arion is just one of the latest victims of the ongoing equine crisis that has seen the RSPCA and other animal charities facing rising numbers of horses in desperate need of help.

In 2017, the animal welfare charity took in more horses than in any of the previous four years, and says "weekly more and more horses are being found sick, neglected or dumped like rubbish".

RSPCA equine welfare expert Mark Kennedy said: “We receive around 80 calls a day about horses to our 24-hour emergency hotline and are always being asked to help horses in dire need. As soon as we rehome a horse we have another horse in need entering our care.

“The poor economic climate, over-breeding of horses, the high cost of vet care and falling prices for horses have all contributed to the crisis - and with the poor harvest this summer and associated increases in forage, bedding and feed costs we expect even more horses will need our help this winter.”

Anyone interested in rehoming an RSPCA horse can find out more online at rspca.org.uk/homesforhorses