RSPCA Victoria is continuing to investigate a case of underweight horses on a property in the Mornington Peninsula.

As a result our Inspectorate has opened an investigation and is attending the property regularly to monitor the progression of the horses’ welfare. The owner is currently cooperating with our Inspectorate.

As this is an active investigation, we are unable to provide additional information regarding this matter. In this and all cases, animal welfare remains our priority.

We appreciate the community’s concern and commitment to animal welfare. Our Inspectors will continue to ensure that animal welfare concerns are addressed.

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 and support while we work with interested parties to monitor the animals and work towards a positive outcome. We implore the public to adhere to all applicable laws and not to interfere with our investigation, which could compromise the outcome for the horses and our Inspectors’ safety.

It is vital that all animal cruelty reports are provided to us via our Inspectorate to ensure appropriate triaging and case management. We are aware the social media attention surrounding animals on this property is high and we encourage people to be wary of dated or inaccurate information.

We are actively advocating for the introduction of updated laws (the Animal Care and Protection Bill) which will provide greater protections for animal welfare. The legislation we currently operate in accordance with, was enacted in 1986 and no longer meets community expectations for animal welfare. We believe the updated Animal Care and Protection Bill will give our Inspectorate the ability to better enforce minimum care standards and improve animal welfare in Victoria.

RSPCA Victoria Inspectors are the only authorised officers under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act who currently enforce and prosecute horse welfare in the state. We have received more than 900 cruelty reports related to horses this financial year and over 10,000 animal cruelty reports more broadly.

We encourage you to advocate for the introduction of the Animal Care and Protection Bill in your local community to ensure our Inspectorate and other authorised bodies are empowered to enforce modern minimum care standards and improved tools for animal welfare.

To find out how to make an animal cruelty report, visit RSPCA Victoria. If an animal is in immediate danger or at risk of death contact Victoria Police.