A dead pony has been left to rot in a countryside stream.

The corpse was first seen beneath a bridge in Sheephurst Lane, Marden, almost two weeks ago and was still in the water this week.

Peter Hill, who lives in the village, reported the grim discovery to the Environment Agency but a spokesman for the government organisation said it would only remove a dead animal if it was obstructing a river.

A spokesman said: “It would be the responsibility of the owner of the animal to remove it or it would sit with the local authority, rather than ourselves.”

Mr Hill, the former chairman of the Maidstone and Weald Conservative Association, said: “I am disgusted by it. A number of local people walk past there quite regularly and it is very unpleasant to see.

“I just cannot believe the Environment Agency will just leave it there to rot. Surely it will flow further down stream and contaminate the water?”

A stretch of the River Teise between Marden and Hunton, which meets the River Beult and the River Medway in Yalding, is used by the Linton Angling Society.

According to the association’s website, the water is home to various fish including grayling, roach, pike and trout.

“I am disgusted by it. A number of local people walk past there quite regularly and it is very unpleasant to see" - villager Peter Hill

The RSPCA could not find a record of the young horse on its system but is keen to find out further details.

A spokesman for the animal charity said: “If anyone has any information on how this pony came to be lying in the stream, could they please call our inspector investigation line on 0300 123 8018, where you can leave a message in confidence.”

Marden Parish Council said it was aware of the incident but it believes responsibility for the removal of the horse lies with the Environment Agency.

Maidstone council was contacted for a comment but at the time of going to press had been unable to provide a response.