Gnangara couple convicted of animal cruelty for starving and mistreading horses.

Keith Douglas Gee (63) and Deanne Michelle Gee (51) were convicted in Joondalup Magistrates Court recently of animal cruelty to their five horses.

Three had to be put down and the other two rehomed after receiving emergency treatment at Baldivis Veterinary Hospital.

An RSPCA spokeswoman said the horses were found in various stages of starvation after being confined to a sandy paddock with minimal dirty water.

Some had a thick winter coat despite it being summer.

‘Two were extremely emaciated with their ribs, spine and hip bones protruding,’ she said.

The offenders were banned from owning a horse for five years, fined $4000 each and ordered to pay $4195.65 vet costs each.

RSPCA chief inspector Amanda Swift said properly caring for a horse was expensive.

‘People need to be sure they can afford keeping such an animal or, if the situation changes, rehome them or seek help,’ she said.