A leading animal charity has warned of "a second wave of equine crisis" if the nation is plunged into a Covid-19 recession.

The RSPCA has identified Kent as a hotspot for neglected horses after responding to 1,071 equine incidents here in 2019, higher than any other area in the country.

Now the charity fears worse is to come as the economic shock of the coronavirus hits finances of households and animal welfare charities.

During the period March 23 to May 31, a total of 105 equine incidents were reported to the RSPCA in Kent alone.

Christine McNeil, the charity’s national equine inspectors co-ordinator, said: "This is a truly worrying time for equine charities - we still haven’t got a handle on the repercussions of the current horse crisis, and it now looks like the worst is yet to come."

The threat of a recession this year has led to fears horse owners will struggle financially to keep their animals and cover vet bills. This may lead to animals suffering, and some may even resort to abandoning their animals out of desperation.

In February a young pony was discovered collapsed in a field close to Darenth Park Avenue in Gravesend.

An RSPCA inspector arrived to find the pony was dehydrated, riddled with worms and extremely thin.

Nicknamed Darren, he has made a slow but steady recovery but, with no microchip and no owners having come forward to claim him, it is presumed he was abandoned.

Christine McNeil said: "The public's help is absolutely vital to keep the RSPCA afloat during this extremely difficult time.

"We can't stress how much we need loving homes for our horses and ponies, and we are urging those with experience of horses to please consider rehoming one of our wonderful rescue horses."

Find out how you can help the RSPCA in these unprecedented times at www.rspca.org.uk/covid

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