AN urgent fund-raising appeal has been launched to help a severely neglected horse found in Wiltshire.

Tonto, who is 28 years old, was found without food or water and in a stable filled with excrement.

Vets who came out to check him described his condition as the worst thing they had seen in 20 years.

He has a tumour on the side of his face, which has left his tongue hanging out and made it hard for him to eat and breathe.

The tumour is treatable but vets say he is severely undernourished.

Laura Webb, of Malmesbury, spotted Tonto when she drove past him on Saturday.

She became concerned and rang a friend, Emma Wick for help.

Emma, also from Malmesbury, and other volunteers put food and hay out and gave him attention and cuddles. Tonto’s owner is working with the volunteers to try to find a happy ending to the story.

Emma is now trying to raise £3,000 to ensure Tonto has a happy future.

So far donations have reached £320.

“He can’t support himself very well so we are waiting a few days to get his strength up so we can move him,” she said.

Money raised will ensure Tonto gets treatment and special food to help him get the vitamins and fibre he needs.

Any money left over will go to a horse charity to help other animals.

Daily updates will be available on the donation page. You can donate at bit.ly/2ylVFS4

Writing on the donation page, Emma describes Tonto as a ‘beautiful loving old boy’.

“We want your help to give Tonto a fighting chance so he can enjoy what little time he has left,” she added.