A PONY on the loose had a lucky escape after being rescued by the RSPCA from a road close to the M606 in Bradford.

The tiny colt, thought to be just six months old, was spotted by a driver in Staithgate Lane, which runs parallel to the motorway, on Friday, January 19.

He called the RSPCA and inspector Sophie John rushed to the scene where she found the pony eating grass at the roadside.

After being rescued, the piebald, which has been nicknamed Wilbur, is now being cared for at stables thanks to the charity.

Insp John said: “When I took the call about a pony loose so close to such a busy road, I knew I’d have to get there as quickly as possible.

“Not only was he in danger himself, but he posed a serious risk to drivers too.

“Lots of lorries go up and down that road heading for the motorway, so it was of huge concern to me.”

Insp John called for a colleague to help capture the pony, which kept moving away nervously when she approached.

She said: “It seemed Wilbur was delighted to be off the road and into a field, as he then proceeded to give us both the run-around.

“Unfortunately for us it was an enormous field and it took us ages to catch him as he trotted and cantered away from us, but at least we were in a safe space.

“Finally, we managed to catch him, just as a vet arrived to check him over.”

The vet confirmed Wilbur was not in good health, with a body condition score of 1.5 our of five, making him one of the thinnest ponies RSPCA inspectors see.

He also had a swollen stomach thought to be caused by an enormous worm burden, and a suspected chest infection.

Police officially placed Wilbur into RSPCA care, and he was taken to a private boarding stables.

RSPCA equine rehoming officer Jacqui Wilson said: “Despite his shaky start in life and his close call roaming beside a motorway, Wilbur’s now safely tucked up in a cosy stable, getting all the care he needs.

“He’s being treated for the large amount of worms he is suffering with and though he is severely thin and malnourished, we are confident we rescued him in time and he will make a good recovery.

“He’s a lovely, friendly little boy and I hope that one day he can be adopted by a loving family who will appreciate him.”

This incident occurred in the same spot Insp John was called to six months ago to collect a pony in similar circumstances. That pony, Stephen, is now being cared for by World Horse Welfare.

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Nationally, the RSPCA is currently looking after more than 850 horses, ponies and donkeys that have been rescued by inspectors.

Anyone who finds an animal loose in the road should contact the police immediately.

Wilbur was not microchipped. Anyone with any information about where he came from is asked to call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8018.