The RSPCA says it’s reviewing its handling of animal cruelty reports after more than 40 dead and badly malnourished horses were found at a Bulla property.
In a lengthy social media post to supporters last Thursday, the organisation said it was deeply disappointed and acknowledged “we’ve let you down”.
It said a heavy case load and the 1989 murder of an inspector were factors in the horse case’s severity not being realised until police and a veterinarian attended the farm in Batey Court on April 3.
The RSPCA received information on March 22 that horses were left without enough feed.
‘‘Had we known the severity of the situation earlier, we would have made sure that action was taken immediately.’’
One of 23 horses removed from the property on April 4 had to be euthanased.
The surviving horses, which are receiving 24-hour care at undisclosed locations, were rescued with the help of Racing Victoria the day after 22 horses were found dead. Another horse had to be put down after authorities were called in about 3.30pm on April 3.
The horses were found when neighbours searched for the source of a putrid smell drifting from the land.
Former Olympian and registered horse trainer Bruce Akers, 63, was bailed on April 4 after being charged with 92 animal cruelty offences.
RSPCA acting chief executive Jon McGregor told Star Weekly the organisation was stretched to the limit, with the number, severity and complexity of complaints soaring in the past 10 years.
‘‘Funding received from the [state] government has remained the same since 2007 without adjustment for CPI,’’ he said.
Mr McGregor said the RSPCA was ‘‘not dissatisfied’’ with the powers it has, but with 90 per cent of its funding coming from donations it needed more money.
Bulla resident Rob Mitchell, who made the initial report about the horses, said the RSPCA had dropped the ball.
‘‘We all look up to them,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s just so disappointing. It’s about the welfare of the animals in the end. This just shouldn’t happen.’’
A government spokesman said animal welfare was a high priority and it had provided $5 million to the RSPCA for operations cracking down on illegal puppy farms in 2015.
Mr Akers could face up to two years in jail, a fine of up to $74,620 and be banned from owning any animal for at least 10 years, if found guilty of causing death by neglect.
He is expected to return to court in May.
