A CAMPAIGN to highlight the widespread neglect of horses and ponies has been launched in Kent by the RSPCA.

The animal charity says its regional control centre for Kent, Sussex and Essex receives more than 250 calls each month from people concerned about the condition of an equine.

RSPCA inspectors have to deal with many horrific cases of neglect.

In one case, a mare and a foal were discovered in a critical condition in a field next to the Wheatsheaf pub, London Road, West Malling, in January 2001. They were rescued by an RSPCA inspector but despite veterinary treatment the mare was so ill that she later died.

Although the inspector left calling cards at the gate of the field and made extensive local inquiries no-one has ever admitted to owning the horses.

RSPCA West Kent chief inspector Steve Dockery said: "The mare should not have been allowed to suffer as she did. Unfortunately she did not survive her ordeal, but thankfully the foal was OK and was found a good home eventually."

He added: "Horses are an enormous responsibility for their owners and yet so many people take them on without thought for their care or welfare. Unfortunately, when these horses become sick or injured they are left to fend for themselves and the owners do not seek veterinary care."

The charity's campaign - the Equine Commitment Charter - was launched at Mount Farm, Forstall, Hollingbourne, near Maidstone, with the aim of helping to educate people in the basics of equine care. As part of the campaign, the RSPCA has produced a leaflet to promote the initiative which is available from the its regional branches and clinics (details at www.rspca.org.uk).

In west Kent the RSPCA has set up an equine working party with the police, local authorities, the British Horse Society and horse rescue organisations to help tackle the problem.