Two horses dead and two others neglected as authorities swoop on thoroughbred owners at Gold Coast property

Two race horses are dead and others found to be in various stages of neglect at a Gold Coast property now under investigation.

TWO race horses have died on the Gold Coast and the owners are under order to improve the welfare of two others after an investigation by authorities revealed they were in various stages of neglect.

The Queensland Racing Integrity Commission (QRIC) has issued an animal welfare direction to the owners of two currently registered thoroughbred race horses at a property in Pimpama.

The Commission’s veterinarian and Integrity Investigations Team (IIT) attended the property earlier this week after the case was referred from the RSPCA.

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Two race horses have died and others have been found to be neglected (Reg Ryan/Racing Photos via Getty Images)

Racing Integrity Commissioner Ross Barnett said one registered racehorse had died on the property prior to commission staff attending and due to the poor condition of a second horse, it was humanely euthanised yesterday.

“Two horses remain in a serious condition and arrangements are in place for their care,” Barnett said.

“Whenever the commission receives an animal welfare report, the response is swift and in this case it was immediate.”

Barnett said the owners had been directed to immediately increase nutritional and feed intake under veterinary advice and to further address the health of the horses under the guidance of a veterinarian.

“Any change in the horses’ condition must be reported to the Commission and the owners must not move them from the Pimpama property without approval,” Barnett said.

“The RSPCA referred the case to the Commission when it was established the horses are currently registered as race horses.”

Since the Commission commenced, more than 30 Animal Welfare directions have been issued to racing participants.