A NEW-BORN pony whose mother died hours after giving birth is now fighting for his own life.

Horse sanctuary organisers have launched a desperate appeal for cash to help cover the vet bills they are running up trying to save the whiteand- brown foal.

The pony, nicknamed Oreo, was taken to the Essex Horse and Pony Protection Society’s Pitsea refuge by his desperate owner when he was just a day old.

By that time he had gone nearly 24 hours without milk, so a feeding tube was fitted through his nose to keep him alive.

A blanket and four hot water bottles are keeping Oreo warm and, as he needs constant care, volunteers at the sanctuary have been taking turns to sit with him throughout the night.

Blood tests have shown the animal has no antibodies to fight off infection, so vets have had to give him a plasma transfusion.

Sue Allery, who runs the Essex Horse and Pony Society, said: “His owner just didn’t know what to do.

“He was freezing and we’ve had to take turns laying next to him to give him as much warmth as possible.

“I’m amazed he has made it this far. It has been very touch and go, but Oreo is a fighter.”

The sanctuary costs £16,000 a month to run, with Oreo’s vet bills expected to increase this even further.

Mrs Allery added: “It’s going to cost us thousands of pounds to care for Oreo, and we already struggle, especially through the winter.

“We desperately need money and I’m urging people to dig deep and help us.”

Cheques can be posted to to EHPPS, Oreo’s Fund, Pitsea Hall Lane, Basildon, SS16 4UH, or you can donate online via ehpps.org.uk/ how-you-can-help/donate