A FOAL which was rescued on Christmas Day after collapsing in a field in Cinderford was put down a week later.

A vet at Three Counties Equine Hospital, near Tewksbury, decided to put ‘Chancer’ to sleep when his condition suddenly deteriorated.

The RSPCA thanked staff at the hospital for their help.

A spokesperson said: “The vet at Three Counties Equine Hospital decided it was the kindest thing to stop him suffering.

“We would like to thank everyone involved in Chancer’s rescue, it was an incredible joint effort to help this little foal and give him the best possible chance.

“We’d also like to thank the staff at the equine hospital for the round the clock care they gave Chancer.

“We are investigating and would appeal for anyone who knows his owner to contact acting chief inspector Hayward on 0300 1238018.”

The skewbald foal, who was thought to be eight months-old, was involved in a six-hour rescue mission after the RSPCA received a call that it had collapsed in a field near Valley Road.

RSPCA acting chief inspector Rachel Hayward rushed to the scene and together with the help of the police, wildlife charities and members of the public they managed to rescue him.

Inspector Hayward said: “He was collapsed in the mud and rain; he didn’t have the energy to lift his head. He looked in a very bad way.

She added: “This was a difficult rescue, it was muddy and raining throughout and because it was Christmas it was more difficult than normal to get the help we needed.

“Everyone was pitching in and helping to try and save this little foal. We are really grateful for their efforts.”

Chancer was later taken to a specialist equine hospital where he received a plasma transfusion, antibiotics and round-the-clock care.