A foal has died after it was callously abandoned and covered with rubbish in an isolated field.

The emaciated pony, named Poppet, died on Sunday (June 9) despite efforts to rescue him by Sam Skinner, who keeps a horse on neighbouring Poplar Farm, Harrietsham.

Poppet, believed to be a three-year-old Gypsy Vanner, was found on Tuesday May 28 but two weeks of tender care was not enough to save him from death.

Ms Skinner said: “He was just too weak to carry on and continue, it’s so sad and such a shame. He collapsed because his heart just wasn’t strong enough. When we managed to get him back to his feet he collapsed again so we had to put him down.

“All he knew for most of his life was cruelty and I really hope I gave him a good end to his life. At least he is safe from pain.

“He was a good horse, I was always reserved about his chances but I grew to love him.”

Just a day before Poppet died blood tests revealed the condition of his liver was stable, despite having low protein levels.

His damaged skin was also showing visible signs of improvement and, according to Ms Skinner, his spirits were improving every day.

Doubts always remained about the strength of his heart after a vet’s inspection found there was a sack of fluid attached to it.