AN EMERGENCY appeal has been launched by the RSPCA for carers to come forward for neglected and abandoned horses.

Foster homes are needed desperately after the number of horses taken in this year doubled from last year resulting in the Stable Future appeal being set up.

The RSPCA currently looks after 600 horses that have been deserted or subjected to cruelty – a huge increase on the 290 taken in last year.

Of the 600 currently with them, 266 are youngsters, too small to be ridden, 40 of them in the south west and all needing a new home.

Sally Learoyd, the RSPCA’s equine rehoming officer said that the trade in horses has collapsed as a result of the recession, causing people to abandon these creatures wherever they can.

“I’ve heard of horses being bought and sold in pubs and we’ve come across a case of someone keeping a horse on a tower block balcony and feeding it on kitchen scraps,” she said.

Elaine Street, manager of Dorset Heavy Horse Sanctuary in Verwood, has said that every one of their 25 horses was rescued but they’ve long reached capacity.

“I’ve noticed the huge increase and, unfortunately, I regularly have to turn people away who can no longer look after their animal simply because we’re full.”

Horses require a strong level of commitment which the RSPCA has said is crucial for anyone considering re-homing these animals.

“While they have managed to find a record number of new homes the RSPCA still faces a £3.2 million bill to care for the influx.

For more information please contact the RSPCA on 0300 123 8000 or visit www.rspca.org.uk/stablefuture