RSPCA received more calls about horses in distress in 2017 than it has in the last four years

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) was called to nearly 1,000 rescue jobs last year involving horses in distress, either from neglect of abuse.

Nearly all of those are still in the charity's care and the price of bringing the animals back to full strength is an eye-watering £3m per year.

Equine offences are, sadly, on the rise across the country and the RSPCA has successfully pursued and convicted around 15 per cent of people responsible for mistreating horses.

Claudia Corner, a rehoming officer for the RSPCA, said: “These horses are one of the saddest stories of 2017 and are typical of the struggle currently faced with abused, neglected, or abandoned horses being picked up in large numbers.

“For many horses, being rescued is just the beginning of a long road to recovery, it can take many months for us to rehabilitate them to a point where they can be rehomed."

Last year 980 horses were rescued by the RSPCA and taken into their care - the highest number in four years.

Christine McNeil, RSPCA inspectorate, said: “We have been talking about the horse crisis for several years now, but the truth is the situation is just as severe today as when it started.

"We took in more horses than we have in the past four years and with our inspectors being called to rescue more and more every week, we are stretched to the limits.

“We are also frequently called about tethered horses, where the animals are kept secured to a peg in the ground on unfenced land with a rope or chain.

"We do not agree with tethering but sadly there is nothing we can do as this practice remains legal.”

Another case of abuse in Reading saw a dog suffer horrific injuries to his face and leg rescued by the RSPCA.

The distressed pup was found with blood-stained bite marks all over his face and further examination of the dog revealed it was the victim of badger baiting.