A PONY is fighting for its life after irresponsible owners allowed its illness to go untreated. RSPCA inspector Beth Clements rescued the five-year-old mare from a field at Stone Lodge Farm near Dartford on Monday following a call from a concerned member of the public.

Meopham vet Martin Hobbs examined the piebald mare and found she was suffering from oedema - a severe worm problem and a bloated stomach. The pony is now being cared for but her condition is so bad she may not survive.

Inspector Clements said: "If this horse had been cared for properly then this would not have occurred. Now she only stands a 50 percent chance of survival."

The RSPCA is appealing for information on the whereabouts of the owners. Anyone who knows who the horse belongs to can contact the RSPCA on 08705 555999.