A 60-year-old Campaspe man has been convicted of two charges of animal cruelty and one charge of contravening a court order at the Shepparton Court on 23 April 2025.
RSPCA Victoria previously prosecuted the offender for animal cruelty charges, resulting in his conviction and disqualification from owning or being in charge of any horses for three years.
RSPCA Victoria Inspectors attended the property in Campaspe on multiple occasions as part of the monitoring conditions of the disqualification order and found no decrease in the number of horses under his care.
During the monitoring period, Inspectors found multiple horses and foals in need of veterinary care for various conditions, including severe leg injuries, emaciation, untreated chronic wounds, with the offender having purchased an additional five horses.
RSPCA Victoria executed a warrant to seize 109 horses from the man's property under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act (1984) (POCTAA) due to the offender's failure to reduce the number of horses in his care and veterinary evidence highlighting concerns for the welfare of the horses.
"[The horse] would have been in poor condition for a reasonable period of time to be so poor and veterinary attention should have been sought much earlier," one veterinarian reported.
Magistrate Trumble said the animal's welfare was not a priority for the offender.
"He didn't prioritise the welfare of the animals," her Honour Magistrate Trumble said.
"An aggravating factor is that he continued to offend."
The offender was convicted on three charges, including a contravention of a court order under S12 of POCTAA, and sentenced to a 24-month Community Correction Order, ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid community work, and pay costs of $77,130 to RSPCA Victoria.
RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michelle Green said the scale of this individual's disregard for court orders and animal welfare was unbelievable and urged animal owners to consider their ability to care for their animals seriously.
"The sheer scale of this offending is hard to comprehend, forcing many horses to endure unimaginable pain and suffering for no reason," Chief Inspector Green said.
"We are extremely grateful for the support of many horse welfare groups who supported our team during the extensive rehabilitation process of these animals.
"We sincerely hope we will never see a situation like this again and urge any horse or livestock owners to reach out for support before it gets to this stage."
The relevant offences are covered under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986. Anyone found guilty of cruelty offences can face fines of up to $98,795.00 or 2 years' imprisonment.
Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals is urged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria at rspcavic.org/cruelty-report/ or by calling 03 9224 2222.
It's estimated it will cost RSPCA Victoria more than $10.8 million to operate the Inspectorate this financial year.
