A woman has spoken about what drove her to alert the RSPCA to the neglected horse in Erith.

The graphics designer, who wanted to stay anonymous for safety reasons, was devastated when she saw the abandoned skinny mare while on her way to work.

On September 17, the woman posted photos on the Dartford Gossip Facebook page so everyone could see the poor nag's condition.

News Shopper:

An image of the horse, courtesy of the Dartford Gossip Facebook Page

The 23-year-old told News Shopper: “On Tuesday morning, I was driving to work and out of the corner of my eye I saw a horse at a gate, just off Yarnton Way.

“I immediately stopped and went to the animal - she was very affectionate and wanted all the attention that she could get.

“I was stroking her while crying my eyes out and she was so skinny that I had to help her.

“I went to the nearest shop to buy some bread, carrots and bottles of water.

“She was scoffing the food down and drank the water so quickly.”

News Shopper:

The horse eating the carrots

After giving the mare food and water, she contacted the RSPCA and Kent Horse Rescue to try and ensure the horse could be somewhere safe.

The witness spoke of her admiration for the horse.

She said: “If I had the money to re-home her, I would.

“She is the most beautiful and loving horse I’ve ever met – I named her Star.

“What scares me is that if I hadn’t seen her, a few days later, she could’ve died.”

This latest case prompted the RSPCA to talk about all the other abandoned horses that are reported to them.

News Shopper:

The skinny horse's bones are on show

An RSPCA spokeswoman said: “We received a call about a horse in Erith.

“Following a vet examination which confirmed welfare concerns, the horse was removed by police and placed into RSPCA care last week.

“She is not microchipped and we do not know who her owner is.

“She is now in safe hands at a boarding establishment receiving care.”

The horse is over three-years-old and was found off Yarnton Way by a passerby who gave her some much-needed water.

The RSPCA spokeswoman revealed this case wasn’t just a one-off.  

She said: “The country is in a horse crisis with the RSPCA and other organisations struggling to cope with the number of abandoned, neglected and abused horses.

“We are stretched to breaking point with about 125 places at our equine centres and over 500 horses in our care.”

If you have welfare concerns for any animal, call the RSPCA’s cruelty line on 0300 123 4999.

Do you have any information about the skinny black horse in Erith? Email: jake.bacon@london.newsquest.co.uk