One of the horses found at the Waroona property by the RSPCA.
Camera IconOne of the horses found at the Waroona property by the RSPCA. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Waroona woman convicted of animal cruelty after emaciated horses found by RSPCA WA

Headshot of David Johns
David JohnsMandurah Coastal Times

A 38-year-old Waroona woman has been convicted of animal cruelty after three horses were found in varying states of emaciation on her property in 2016.

RSPCA WA inspectors were called to the property in March 2016 after a report from the Shire of Murray.

The inspectors found a mare called Ally that was already dead.

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A female foal called Rosie was found emaciated and unable to stand, while a gelding called Patch was also found alive but in poor condition.

A vet was called to the property and determined that Rosie was in such poor condition that she could not be saved. She was put down.

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Camera IconImage Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Patch, whose ribs and pelvis were showing from severe emaciation, survived after being placed with a foster carer.

RSPCA WA chief inspector Amanda Swift said the case was “truly distressing” because the owner would have been able to save Ally and Rosie had she taken action earlier.

“Instead, the owner neglected her duty to all three animals by allowing them to suffer malnourishment and emaciation,” she said.

“She failed to take steps to relieve their suffering even though their poor condition was very apparent and she was aware of it.

“This is a reminder to everyone that animals rely on their owners absolutely for every need.

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Camera IconImage Credit: Supplied/Supplied

“Horses in particular require a substantial physical and financial commitment over many years.

“There is no shame in putting up your hand and asking for help before a situation gets out of control, as it did in this case.”

The woman was convicted of three counts of animal cruelty under the Welfare Act (2002) in the Mandurah Magistrates Court today.

She has been banned from owning horses for three years and was sentence to an intensive supervision order and 100 hours of community service work.

She will also have to pay legal costs and reimburse care and veterinary costs.