A dead pony has been left in a field for three days prompting calls for action to help animals kept on the land.

The pony, believed to a filly, was spotted in Bearsted by a member of the public on Thursday night who says the RSPCA has been made aware and a vet was also at the scene.

But it has been left for the owner to remove because the Green Hill field is private, and remains on the grass, covered with hay and a blanket.

Kent Animal Defenders has since visited the site and says one mare is dead and three others have been removed to an unknown location.

The animal rights group added the site "has been reported on numerous occasions, by many different people".

A spokesman said: "Over the years, many horses have been in this field, including mares and foals. The field has also been used as a dumping site. Often, the horses would share the field with bin bags, loose plastic wrapping and more.

"There was no hay or water provided, even through winter when the grazing was very poor and the ponies were thin. Locals took to feeding the horses."

Many have taken to social media to share their concern for the horses kept on the plot of land near Maidstone, describing the situation as "heartbreaking" and "distressing".

Sophie Haslam from Maidstone had been trying to care for the ponies for the past seven months, along with her daughters Hollie and Isabella, and is "absolutely devastated".

She said: "Me and my daughters have been feeding and looking after them as best we can - even naming them. It's such a shame nothing has been done and shame on all these animal charities that are meant to help and protect these poor horses. I now have two devastated daughters and also know the others have been moved to a different field for more suffering."

Another nearby resident says she saw a pony eating rubbish adding: "There appears to be totally inadequate shelter for them and the fencing around field is in desperate need of a lot of work."

A third said: "Why do people have animals when they don’t even look after them? It’s just terrible and so so sad."

Dozens claim they have contacted RSPCA about the problem, and Miss Hadlam says she has called the organisation 20 times herself.

Kent Animal Defenders is advising people to complain to the authorities, claiming "organisations were contacted but did nothing".

The group's spokesman added: "We are sick of authorities getting away with being worse than useless."

A police spokesman said officers were called at 8.15am on Friday and had referred the matter to the RSPCA.

A spokesman from the RSPCA said: "It’s upsetting to hear about a dead pony at this location. Arrangements have been made for the body to be removed.

"We thank people who contact us with animal welfare concerns and we look into every report seriously."

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