A horse discovered inches from death in a field may be pregnant, RSPCA inspectors have reported.

The emaciated mare was found by a member of the public collapsed in a plot off Beechenlea Lane, Swanley, on Thursday, June 14.

The police recovered the animal, which was then placed into RSPCA care. She has been taken to a private boarding facility where she is receiving urgent medical treatment, and will be scanned to check if she is pregnant.

The mare is extremely sick and is thought to be suffering from worms. It is not known whether she will survive.

RSPCA inspector Andrew Kirby, who is investigating the incident, said: “This poor mare was unable to get up and suffering from severe diarrhoea. When we attended, although she was standing, it was clear she was very sick and in need of urgent medical treatment. She was seized by the police and placed into the care of the RSPCA and we are doing all we can to save her, but sadly she is exceptionally weak.

“I have carried out investigations in the area and have been told that she had been dumped in the field with other horses and therefore I would appeal to anyone who may have any information regarding who might own this poor mare.

“The condition she is in is not acceptable, she is so skinny, she is like a walking skeleton you can clearly see her ribs, spine and hip bones. The fact she could also be pregnant and left in such a state is horrifying.

“She is a very sweet mare and thought to be around nine years old.

“Anyone with information regarding this mare is urged to contact me in confidence on the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018."

Nationally nearly 1,000 horses were rescued by the RSPCA from suffering and neglect last year.

In Kent the horse crisis shows no sign of easing up. Recent figures show the county had the highest number of equines collected in the whole of the country last year (76), and ranked second on the national list for the highest number of equine complaint calls received (892 about 594 equines).