AN equine charity has issued an appeal for assistance after a horse was found in a poor condition wandering loose in Colne.

Offficials from HAPPA (Horses & Ponies Protection Association) are now urgently seeking information about the dark brown coloured steed, which was discovered in the Knotts Lane area of Colne.

A spokesman for the Briercliffe-based charity said: “There was evidence that the horse had been tethered as he was still wearing a collar and he may have broken loose.

“HAPPA is anxious to trace his owners and are urging the pubic to come forward with information. The horse was in poor conditon and in urgent need of veterinary treatment.”

The horse, which was found on Thursday, May 15, was checked over by equine inspector David McCormick before it was removed to be cared for at HAPPA’s base at Shore Hey Farm, off Halifax Road.

The Pendle case is the second significant intervention involving the charity in a month, after HAPPA was involved in the removal of six horses from land in Great Harwood.

Charity experts worked with the RSPCA and local vets after residents raised concerns about the state of the horses in Clinkham Road last month.

The charity has confirmed that all calls received concerning the Colne incident will be dealt with in the strictest confidence - they can be reached at their headquarters on 01282 455992.