THIS week a pregnant mare appeared outside a local supermarket in Bishop Auckland.

It had no water, was covered in lice, had hair missing in patches on its neck and back, and it appeared to be suffering from mange.

As if this wasn’t enough, the poor animal was due to give birth, and was severely undernourished with its rib cage clearly visible.

Appalled by the sight, my friend and I phoned the RSPCA – to no avail. Eventually, a lady from the British Horse Society lady turned up – the next day, after it had gone.

Compassion was shown by people who fed the horse carrots and gave it water. But now it has disappeared, without any treatment for any of its ailments.

In Egypt, a horse truck administers help to needy equines but here we conveniently turn a blind eye.

We need a change in the law so these animals can be rescued before they die.

Name and address supplied.