THE RSPCA is investigating reports of dangerously underweight horses at a Mt Eliza property.
Protesters have gathered regularly at the Moorooduc Highway property to draw attention towards the condition of the horses. The RSPCA has now confirmed it is looking into the situation.
“RSPCA Victoria is actively investigating a case of seven underweight horses and working with the owner to improve their health. We appreciate the community’s concern and can confirm we have an active investigation regarding this matter,” the RSPCA statement read. “Our inspectors will continue to attend and investigate this matter to ensure any welfare concerns are rectified and all legal requirements are met.
“It’s important to note, moving horses who may be unwell can result in worse welfare outcomes, and rebuilding their weight must be done gradually to avoid adverse health outcomes. We ask for the community’s patience as this work occurs behind the scenes.
“As this is an active investigation, we urge the public not to take matters into their own hands as any interference could compromise the outcome of an investigation, so we ask people to please show restraint, and to respect all applicable laws.”
Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell said the case “is yet another example of how broken our animal protection laws are.”
“The government committed to reforming them in 2016, and the bill exists – yet they haven’t introduced it into the parliament. In those 9 years, we’ve had case after case of cruelty where the circumstances could have been different, and investigators could have intervened sooner,” Purcell said on her Facebook page. “I’m calling on the authorities to urgently act – and importantly, for the government to honour their commitment.”
A petition with more than 7000 signatures demanding action has been circulating. The petition reads “The situation at the property on Moorooduc Highway in Mt Eliza is dire: young horses and foals are at risk, being starved to death in full view of concerned community members. This has been going on for years, with no apparent action taken by the responsible authority, the RSPCA.
“Proposed actions include immediate health checks and, if necessary, relocation of these innocent animals to a proper caring initiative. Our collective voices can pressure the RSPCA and local authorities into action and consequently, prevent further harm to these horses at risk.”
The property owner could not be reached for comment.