*WARNING – distressing pictures included*
The RSPCA is investigating after the emaciated body of a young pony was found dumped at the side of the road in Buckinghamshire.
The skewbald filly, thought to be between six and nine months old, was found dumped in Stony Lane, Little Chalfont on Sunday 15 March.
RSPCA animal collection officer Rachel Edwards was called to the scene. 
She said: “An equine vet made the horrifying discovery and reported it to us right away. This poor young pony was extremely skinny so it would appear she has starved to death. Unfortunately, this sight is becoming all too common.”
The RSPCA and other equine welfare charities are currently struggling to cope with an ongoing horse crisis. The RSPCA receives more than 80 calls a day about horses and many of these relate to horses who have been dumped dead or dying.
Despite welfare organisations’ best efforts, the crisis shows no sign of easing, with huge pressures to find stables and funding to care for the large number of horses being taken in.
Rachel added: “Horses are being found sick or dumped like rubbish, many just clinging onto life or having already perished. As animal-lovers it’s depressing to see on an almost daily basis.
“We believe that the impact of the recession, over-breeding, the high and rising costs of veterinary care and hay, and the falling price of horses have all contributed to this equine crisis. And we don’t see any sign of it ending just yet.”
The pony was not microchipped, so Rachel is now trying to establish who was responsible for dumping her body here and why she died.
Anyone with any information about where this pony came from or who saw any suspicious activity in this area should contact the RSPCA’s appeal line on 0300 123 8018.
