AN APPEAL has been launched by an animal welfare charity after a young horse was found abandoned in Odiham.

Members of the RSPCA were called out to the field behind the Odiham Health Centre,  Deer Park View, on December 11 after a member of the public spotted the dying animal.

The seriously-ill piebald colt, thought to be only a few months old, was named Noel by his rescuers.

He was found in a collapsed state and wearing a pendant on a cord around his neck, inscribed with Latin which translates as ‘May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death.’

RSPCA inspector, Harriet Maund, said: “We’re really keen to hear from anyone who may know where Noel came from, and who owned him.

“When he was found he was down on the ground and unable to get up.

"He was extremely underweight, bloods tests discovered he had a high worm burden."

After getting treatment from vets, Noel died because of his condition.

Ms Maund added: “Unfortunately, despite the efforts of vets, little Noel passed away overnight on Sunday 16 December.

"He seemed to improve at first, but he was still so weak and his body just couldn't cope.

“We’re hoping someone out there will know more and contact us on 0300 123 8018.

"There is never an excuse for simply abandoning an animal in their moment of need.

"This was a heartless and callous act carried out without a thought for the welfare of this horse.”

Noel, who didn't have a microchip, is just one of the latest victims of the ongoing equine crisis that the RSPCA sees every year.

The figure looks set to be even higher this year, as the RSPCA already had 895 horses in its care by the end of October.