An investigation has been launched after an abandoned pony was found crawling with maggots and flies as it “stumbled down the road”.

The young male, named Forrest, was secured by police in Park Corner Road, Southfleet, in the early hours of Sunday morning following reports from members of the public.

Officers managed to catch the sick and injured animal using a dog lead.

RSPCA inspector Kirsten Ormerod, who has launched the investigation, said: “Neighbours reported hearing vehicles at about 5am before finding the neglected pony abandoned and very confused.

“He was wobbly on his legs, really lethargic and seemed incredibly shutdown; he barely lifted his head as I approached him.

“He had a nasty wound on his abdomen which had clearly been left untreated for some time as it was crawling with maggots and flies.”

The young pony, with three white socks and a white blaze, did not have a microchip despite it being a legal requirement for all horses and donkeys to have one.

Following the discovery, Forrest was taken to a nearby equine vet where tests were conducted to assess his condition.

Tests revealed he had a high temperature, heart rate and respiratory rates and the maggots within his wound required clearing.

“He’s having antibiotics through an IV, is now eating well, and is getting stronger and stronger every day,” Inspector Ormerod added.

Forrest will now remain in the care of the vets but will be moved to stables for ongoing care in the next few days.

Inspector Ormerod added: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped Forrest - from the members of the public who went to his aid, the police officers who moved him to safety, and the vets who have worked round-the-clock to nurse him back to health.

“It’s clear Forrest has been neglected and left for some time without the care and treatment he needed so we’ve now launched an investigation and I’d like to hear from any witnesses in the area who may have seen the people who abandoned him or anyone who recognises Forrest and knows where he has come from.

“No animal deserves cruelty. We receive more reports of cruelty in summer than at any other time of year.

“That’s why we’ve launched the RSPCA No Animal Deserves Cruelty Appeal because it’s vital that we all take action together to help animals.

“If you believe that no animal deserves cruelty, please donate now to help animals as abuse reaches its awful peak this summer. By working together we can create a world that’s kinder for all animals.”

Anyone with information about Forrest should contact the RSPCA inspector appeal line on 0300 123 8018, quoting reference 1310921.