The RSPCA is appealing for information after two “terrified” and emaciated ponies were found loose on a lane in Tamworth.
Members of the public spotted the grey ponies on Clifton Lane in Clifton Campville on 20 December.
Police attended that evening and secured the ponies in a nearby field, calling the RSPCA for assistance the next morning to check on their welfare.
Inspector Beth Boyd discovered the ponies were not used to being handled.
“They were absolutely terrified of people, they were practically feral,” she said.
“Unfortunately, even from a distance I could clearly see both were emaciated and very poorly, and I could tell that one in particular was in urgent need of veterinary care.
“They were so frightened of us, I knew it wasn’t going to be easy to get hold of them, but I wasn’t going to give up.
“A team of us spent the majority of the day gaining their trust enough to load them onto a trailer and get them straight to the safety of one of our private boarding stables where they could be seen by a vet urgently.
“It was incredibly sad to see these two ponies in such desperate need of care, but so frightened of people – I’m really concerned about what has happened to them before now which has led them to get into such a terrible state.
“I strongly suspect they were dumped by the road and intentionally abandoned.”
The ponies, who have been nicknamed Holly and Ivy, are beginning to respond to veterinary treatment and Beth is hopeful they will make a recovery.
“At least we can now rest assured these two are safe and sound and will receive all the care and TLC they need,” she added.
“If anyone has any information about who these ponies belonged to please get in touch with us by calling our special Inspector’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”
