Starved pony celebrates Christmas with new pals

A starved pony dumped alone in a field has spent Christmas "showered with love and presents", according to the RSPCA.

The charity said Ronnie was rescued "on the brink of death" from Cranford Park in London, after he became too weak to work as a driving pony and was abandoned.

He was so thin his bones were visible and vets warned he might not be strong enough to survive, it added.

The pony - thought to be either two or three years old - was brought to the RSPCA Millbrook Animal Centre in Chobham, Surrey, for care.

Charlotte Neary, Millbrook yard supervisor, said: "When we first saw Ronnie we were all so shocked at how emaciated he was."

Ronnie was half the weight for a pony of his age, and had worms, diarrhoea and the flu, according to the charity.

But Ms Neary said: "Ronnie has been just the sweetest pony from the very first day he came into our care - everyone who spends time with him instantly fell in love with him."

"After all he had been through, he was perfect to handle.

"He was the perfect little gentleman - it's the only way to describe him."

The yard supervisor thanked all the "incredible supporters" who donated items for Ronnie, including rugs, treats. enrichment and salt licks.

The pony has since been adopted into his "forever home" by a family in Oxfordshire, who already have three other rescue ponies that have become his friends and siblings, the charity said.

Ms Neary added: "Sadly Ronnie's story is not unique. We care for hundreds of ponies like him.

"Thankfully though, for all the heartbreaking cases we see, there is always the good that comes to outshine it."

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