RSPCA warns of horse crisis

THE RSPCA is calling on horse owners to ensure they are prepared with enough food and water for their animals as rainfall declines and available feed becomes increasingly scarce.

Severe rainfall deficiencies combined with cost-of-living pressures has resulted in many struggling to buy the necessary feed, causing the number of horse reports to climb.

The animal welfare organisation has received almost 800 animal cruelty reports related to 8,100 horses this financial year.

RSPCA Victoria chief inspector Michelle Green said there had been a 53 per cent increase in horses involved in animal cruelty reports.

“This year we have already taken in 183 horses, with more than 60 horses still in our care, with the majority at various agistments across the state due to the limited capacity at our shelter.

“Caring for these horses comes at a cost with each horse estimated to remain under our care for an average of 120 days, costing nearly $50 per day per horse.”

As dry conditions are predicted to continue, the RSPCA expects the situation to get worse.

For the RSPCA, investigating neglect and cruelty towards horses is not as straightforward and some believe.

“Adding to the challenge of investigations is people expecting immediate seizure of animals which is not always an option, whether it be for the animal’s own health, or because despite the conditions of the animals, under the current legislation there is no legal basis for us to seize,” Ms Green said.

“Our inspectors are working behind the scenes enforcing legislation and to ensure the best outcome for animals,” Ms Green said.

“We already have 180 open cases specifically related to more than 800 horses, and we expect more will be coming through as the dry conditions persist.”

Anyone concerned about the welfare of animals and has first-hand information is urged to make a report at rspcavic.org/cruelty-report or by phoning 9224 2222.