RSPCA appealing for information after horse found "at death's door" in Surrey

The RSPCA are appealing for information from the public after a horse was found collapsed in Surrey.

The charity was contacted last Sunday, and the horse was found in a field off King's Road in Woking.

A vet and animal rescue officer Ben Fitzcosta attended the scene, but the horse was so ill that it had to be put to sleep.

Efforts have been made by the RSPCA to trace the owner, but they have not been able to find who was responsible for the horse's welfare.

The RSPCA fears that a 'horse catastrophe' could be on its way in England and Wales, due to the cost of living crisis and deepening financial downturn. This was thought to have also happened in 2008 after the recession.

"It's so sad and heartbreaking that this horse was left to get so ill."

Horse owners may struggle to cope with the financial cost and care commitment of looking after their horses; especially with the onset of winter, when feed and other care costs rise. These pressures result in many horses falling into situations of neglect and abandonment.

Ben Fitzcosta, the animal rescue officer, said "This poor horse was at death’s door when I arrived. It was clear she was seriously ill and she wasn’t able to get up at all. We are keen to find the horse’s owner so we can find out how this horse came to be in this way.

“The field where the horse was found is quite public and overlooked by houses so I am hoping that local people will be able to help. Frustratingly she wasn’t microchipped so we’re relying on the public to help us.

“It’s so sad and heartbreaking that this horse was left to get so ill. If anyone has any information at all, please do call our appeals line in confidence on 0300 123 8018.”