Animals in distress could have to wait longer for help after one of the region’s only horse ambulances was stolen.

Police are investigating after the specialist £14,000 trailer, used by R&S Equine Transport, was taken from a barn in Ryarsh last week.

The thieves cut it free from its wheel clamp and broke the chains and locks securing it.

A Mitsubishi Shogun 4x4, animal feed and accessories including rugs were also missing when the yard manager turned up at Ryarsh Livery, off Birling Road, to tend to the horses the following morning.

“It is disgusting but some people don’t seem to have any morals any more”

The ambulance, which includes a specialist harness system to allow vets to treat horses without causing them further injuries, goes to events across the South East including races, polo tournaments and county shows. It also helps charities such as the RSPCA.

An appeal to find it has already been shared by more than 5,000 people via social media.

Rodney Thwaites, 65, who has run the horse ambulance service for five years, believes the trailer was targeted and suspects it will be sold on abroad.

He told KentOnline that hiring it out accounted for around half of his business.

He said: “It is a massive part of my livelihood that has gone and it will take three months to replace as you have to get them made to order.

“Now if a horse is in distress you would probably have to go as far as Dorking to find another ambulance service.

“I think it was stolen to order as there were much more valuable trailers in there at the time.

“It is disgusting but some people don’t seem to have any morals any more.”

The theft is thought to have happened between Wednesday, November 11 and Thursday, November 12.

Anyone with any information should call 101 quoting crime reference 12/0143.