THE RSPCA has launched an urgent appeal for homes for the horses, ponies and donkeys in its care.

The RSPCA is at capacity with the numbers of horses in its care and desperately needs to find homes for them to free up space to take in more neglected and abused animals.

As of 19 March 2015 there were 640 equines in RSPCA care (rescued from England and Wales). The average boarding cost is £15 per day per horse.

New RSPCA figures show the crisis is continuing in Wales with the charity receiving thousands of calls in relation to horses.

• The number of equine complaints the RSPCA has dealt with in Wales remains high with 2,166 in 2014 - these were in relation to 10,780 horses and donkeys.

• The most equine complaints dealt with in 2014 came from Swansea (289) and Cardiff (229).

• A total of 203 equine complaints came from Carmarthenshire in 2014 - in relation to 2,563 horses.

• The main reasons for horses entering our care are headcollar injuries, starvation, untreated wounds and irresponsible ownership.

RSPCA Cymru’s Steve Carter said: “The situation in Wales remains critical and the number of equines dealt with by RSPCA officers, that have been neglected and abused, is worrying.

“The numbers of calls we are receiving remain a strain but the work that is being done by the RSPCA is paying off thanks to a lot of hard work being put in.

“RSPCA Cymru is also working collaboratively at both a policy and operational level with Local Authorities in regards to the Control of Horses (Wales) Act** which has been in force since January 2014. Whilst it remains early to make firm assessments on the success of the Act, the reduction in abandonments seen by the RSPCA across Wales is a positive development.”

It is believed that there are 4,500 horses identified as being at risk across England and Wales. Of these, approximately 570 are in Wales, and to help deal with the ongoing crisis, RSPCA is launching an appeal for homes for the horses, ponies and donkeys in its care.

They include Seren Coed who was rescued by the RSPCA from Caernarfon in January after being found with an horrific injury to one of her hind legs. Now thanks to RSPCA she has shown great improvement and will make a wonderful family pony.

George who was born in RSPCA care on 5 May 2014 is also looking for a home along with his mum Bubbles. Bubbles was rescued on the Gower Peninsula in an emaciated state, heavily burdened with worms and was suffering with chronic diarrhea.

After a period of high dependency she slowly started to gain strength and weight and during blood tests it was discovered she was in foal. Miraculously, with dedicated RSPCA care, she gave birth to George, who we see today is full of life, and is waiting for his forever home.

A donkey rescued a few weeks ago from the Vale of Glamorgan will be looking for a loving home in the near future. He was found with a bad injury to his withers, and abandoned to fend for himself. After RSPCA care, he is now settling into life at RSPCA donkey sanctuary Lockwood Animal Centre in Surrey. He has been named Theodore ‘Theo’ for short.

RSPCA equine rehoming officer for Wales Gareth Johnson said: “There are many horses that have suffered terribly that need good responsible homes. Rescue horses make good companions and there are a variety of rescue horses available for rehoming.

“We are hoping this appeal will help us rehome many of our horses, ponies and donkeys. We have had a good response from Wales’ horse and pony owners in the past - and we continue to invite people - who have the means to - to rehome a horse from us.”