THE owner of a horse which was the subject of RSPCA inspections has removed it from a field in Darlington.

The RSPCA had received a number of calls about the horse, which was in a field in Albert Road, Darlington.

RSPCA inspectors, who were in discussion with the owner, were continuing to monitor the horse before it was moved.

Local people expressed concern that the animal did not have shelter and they had to feed it.

But the RSPCA revealed to The Northern Echo that nothing could be done unless it could be proven the horse was physically suffering. Now, after more complaints from people suggesting the RSPCA was ignoring the problem, an inspector has revealed the horse has been moved.

Inspector Garry Palmer said: "Of course we appreciate people's calls of concern about animals, but we can't just take a horse out of a field if it is not suffering. There are no rules saying a horse has to have a stable and they do have thick coats that mean they can withstand bad weather.

"This animal was being monitored and fed by us. While it was in the field we could monitor it and work with the owner but now we have no idea where it is, which is quite worrying."