RSPCA Victoria is sounding the alarm of a horse crisis facing the state with more than 8100 horses involved in animal cruelty reports this financial year and calling on horse owners to make sure they are prepared with enough feed and water for their animals.
With a severe rain shortage over the last 12 months, available feed is becoming increasingly scarce and ongoing cost-of-living pressures means many are struggling to buy necessary feed.
As a result, RSPCA Victoria’s inspectorate has received almost 800 animal cruelty reports specifically related to 8100 horses this financial year, a 37 per cent increase on the previous year, with more than 800 horses still involved in active investigations.
RSPCA Victoria chief inspector Michelle Green said the number of horses reported has skyrocketed.
“This financial year alone we’ve seen a 53 per cent increase in the number of horses involved in animal cruelty reports,” Ms Green said.
“This year we have already taken in 183 horses, with more than 60 horses still in our care.
“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.”
Cruelty and neglect towards horses is often more visible than other forms of animal cruelty, a situation RSPCA Victoria expects will get worse as dry conditions continue.
Ms Green explained some of the challenges when investigating neglect and cruelty towards horses.
“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,” she said.
“We understand people get extremely concerned when they see unwell horses, and want to see immediate removal of animals, however it’s not always possible and these cases can often take months to resolve, and we also need to hold owners to account.
“Our Inspectors are working behind the scenes enforcing legislation and to ensure the best outcome for the animals.
“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 with concerns about the welfare of animals with first-hand information is urged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria by calling 03 9224 2222 or online at: rspcavic.org/cruelty-report
