A young horse has died after being dumped on the side of a road in an emaciated state.

The suffering animal was found by a resident off Fackenden Lane in Shoreham on Saturday.

RSPCA inspector Nick Wheelhouse arrived soon after and tried to offer the horse food and water.

He also called a vet and transporter to try to help get it moving.

The horse did not have a chip and it is not known who his owner is and sadly, due to his extremely poor condition, was put to sleep.

The latest call comes as the RSPCA and other charities tackle an equine problem up and down the country with many sick, dying or dead horses and ponies being dumped in fields and by the side of roads.

Inspector Wheelhouse said: “This is a very sad case. The horse had signs of being driven, he was emaciated and over-worked.

“I can’t imagine who would have allowed this young horse to get into such a state.

“I would urge any members of the public who saw anything in the early hours of last Saturday morning who may know who owns this horse to contact our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”

Although an experienced horse handler and transporter and vet were at the scene, and assisted with many attempts to get the horse to stand over two hours, it became apparent it was far too weak and unable to support his own weight.

A vet advised putting the animal to sleep was the kindest thing to do.

An RSPCA spokesman said: "The RSPCA, along with other equine welfare charities, is often left to pick up the pieces when irresponsible owners either abandon or leave their horses on other people's' land with a minimum of care.

"Current legislation also means that, whilst horses must be microchipped, there is little enforcement of this so these owners can rarely be traced and made accountable.

"The RSPCA receives about 500 calls a week about horse welfare in England and Wales. We have fewer than 120 spaces in our equine centres and more than 500 horses, ponies and donkeys in our care."

To assist RSPCA inspectors in carrying out their work text HELP to 78866 to give £3