Emaciated yearling found covered in sores

An emaciated yearling has been found, covered in soresand with “every bone of her body visible”.

Awful situation

The RSPCA was alerted to the dying foal by a member of the public, who found her tethered by a chain around her neck in Essex.

Catley Cross Veterinary Clinic was called in to help, who reported on their Facebook page they had witnessed the “most awful of situations”.

“A terrified little yearling, as pretty as a picture, tethered by her neck and chained to a patch of scrubland,” the post read. “No water. No food. A trembling horse, kneeling to eat as she is so weak.”

The filly has rubbed off nearly all her hair and is covered in sores and leeches. Her feet are also so long and deformed she has trouble walking.

Rescue mission

The foal has been named Lara as the vet clinic said the rescue operation was akin to a Lara Croft mission, with a heavily pregnant vet nurse, slippy hills, police and pre-planned escape routes.

Lara weighs 161 kilograms, less than half of what her body weight should, but according to the vets she is the “most adorable darling” and has a good appetite.