THE RSPCA has launched an investigation into the death of a foal in a Faversham field, days after a visit by one of the charity's inspectors.

Frustrated neighbours reported their concerns on at least six different occasions after realising the pony, and seven other horses, had been left in a field without food or water.

But despite a visit from an RSPCA inspector, the foal was found dead on land at Straight Hill, off Faversham Road, last week.

Announcing the launch of a formal investigation into the case, RSPCA Chief Executive Gavin Grant said: "All of us are deeply saddened by the dreadful death of this foal. We are doing a full check on the calls we got and how we acted."

The charity, which relies entirely on donations, has 400 inspectors who receive one million calls every year about suspected neglect and animal suffering, with many relating to horses in fields.

Mr Grant said some of the horses reported to them as being collapsed were simply asleep, but too many were real cruelty cases.

He added: "We face irresponsible owners who illegally graze their horses in other people's fields, then simply leave them to suffer.

"Our inspectors will go out time and time again to see horses that we are worried about. If they believe there may be suffering, then we will call out a vet at our expense.

"Sadly the RSPCA has no powers to seize horses whose conditions are less than ideal. Other authorities do, but the law often moves slowly.

"These delays frustrate all of us who love animals but the RSPCA has to act lawfully."

The RSPCA is now appealing for information about the owners of the horse. Call 0300 1234 555.