A man has been found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to a horse.

RSPCA inspectors, answering a call from a member of the public, found a mare with cuts to her back legs so deep the bone was visible. The wounds were crawling with maggots.

The animal had to be put to sleep to end her suffering.

The mare's owner, William Stubley, 54, of Main Street, Stanton-under-Bardon, was given a two-year conditional discharge and ordered to pay £400 costs by Hinckley magistrates.

The court heard that the RSPCA received a report in October 2008 that the dark bay cob mare, kept in a field off Stanton Lane, Markfield, was lame.

When inspector Edwina Davidson went to investigate, she found cuts to the bone on the right leg. The tendon on the leg had also been severed.

A vet said the injuries had been caused at least three days earlier.

Stubley told the court he was not aware of the animal's injuries. But magistrates said he ought to have known the horse was wounded and he should have contacted a vet.

Speaking after the case, Ms Davidson said: "We don't know how the horse's injuries occurred, but, had she been checked daily, as a reasonable owner might be expected to do, the wounds could have been treated. Instead she was left to suffer."

Elizabeth Allan, a vet from Candleby Veterinary Centre, near Nottingham, examined the horse on behalf of the RSPCA.

She said after the case: "The wounds were extensive and the horse would have been in significant pain and suffering for at least three days.

"A reasonable owner should check their horse closely at least once a day."

The case has prompted one animal lover to call for stiffer penalties for people found guilty of neglect or cruelty to horses.

John Duffield, of Markfield Equestrian Centre, said: "It's difficult to imagine someone causing suffering to these wonderful creatures, but it happens.

"My fear is that it's not going to stop until those convicted of causing suffering, either by neglect or cruelty, are banned from owning any animals, including horses, for life."

No ban was imposed on Stubley.

A conditional discharge is a sentence under which the offender receives no punishment provided they commit no further offence during the period set by the court.

To report a mistreated, neglected, injured or distressed animal, call the RSPCA's 24-hour hotline on 0300 1234 999.