The community and RSPCA have stepped in to care for the animals after they were dumped in a field in Amen Corner last December. Notices have now gone up to notify the owners - who have not been identified - of their up-coming seizure.

The horses’ owners are rumoured to be from the travelling community but have proved untraceable - thwarting efforts to try and rescue all but the most sick.

Many of the horses are pregnant and infected with worms so rescuers have been visiting the site nearly every day, bringing food or providing veterinary help. An RSPCA animal welfare officer, Justine Hermon, said: “This is a hideous ongoing situation. It’s heartbreaking. We are visiting almost every day to check on the welfare of the horses and provide help and treatment wherever possible.

“We are also immensely grateful to the local community for their role in monitoring and assisting the horses.” The situation has been worsened by the fact that some horses have ‘disappeared’ from the field overnight, and other horses - some alive but poorly, and others that have already died - have been left in the field throughout the last few months. A number of horses have been successfully rehomed - but spaces in sanctuaries and shelters are limited.

A spokesman from Interlaken Investments, who own the land, said: “We were made aware the horses were being neglected just before Christmas and have been looking for a long term solution since then. The horses were illegally dumped and the owners, from the travelling community we understand, have paid little attention to them. This has led to their current situation.

“We are hoping to secure a better future for the horses and we’re happy to talk to people keen to take any of the horses on once they have been legally seized. It has been complicated by weak legislation - due to be strengthened soon - and the unknown ownership of the horses. Once the legal process has been finished, we hope that there will be a better future for the horses.” A legal notice has been issued to alert the owners of the horses that they will be seized over the next few weeks and taken into the care of volunteers. The land will then be secured and ploughed to avoid it happening again.

A fundraising page has been set up to raise money for residents to buy hay and supplies, to donate visit http://www.gofundme.com/nv8hw0