A piebald horse was found tethered with chains and abandoned in a field in Grays.
The pony was suffering with a large wound to her neck that was infested with maggots.
The mare was found by RSPCA inspector Marie Hammerton last Thursday afternoon (November 12) near Courtney Road, after a member of the public called the charity’s cruelty line.
Inspector Hammerton said: "This poor pony has a nasty wound on the top of her neck where the tether has been digging in for some time.
"The tether used was totally inappropriate – a thick metal chain wrapped in what appears to be the inner tube of a push bike.
"This has left her with a wound that is approximately five inches by two inches and swarming in maggots, and it’s estimated by vets that this has been festering for around two weeks. She must have been in so much pain."
The mare is not microchipped and it appears nobody has been tending to her for some time.
She is 12.2hh and is estimated to be around four years old.
Inspector Hammerton added: "I have named the pony Madge after Madonna, and she is a very sweet little girl who just wants love and attention.
"Fortunately she is now safe and receiving lots of care and treatment for her wounds at a local vets. We expect her to make a full recovery."
The RSPCA says situations concerning fly-grazed and tethered horses are still frequent and the charity does not agree with horses being tethered even though it is not against the law and they have no powers to stop people doing it.
Officers try to make sure owners meet the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, including the provision of adequate shelter, grazing, companionship, physical safety and allowing the animal to express normal behaviour.
Anyone with any information regarding this issue can contact inspector Hammerton on the inspector appeal line by calling 0300 123 8018.
To donate to the RSPCA text HELP to 78866 to give £3 (texts cost £3 plus one standard network rate message.
