Abused horses in limbo as breeder Gavan James Pratt faces Shepparton Magistrates’ Court

The transfer of nearly 40 horses from a disgraced horse breeder is yet to be finalised, after welfare officers found the animals starving and with open wounds on his properties.

The transfer of some horses from a disgraced Goulburn Valley breeder is yet to be finalised, after welfare officers seized more than 100 animals who were under his care.

Animal welfare officers seized 110 horses from two properties owned by Gavan James Pratt, 59, in Girgarre in the state’s north after he failed to surrender the horses when he was banned from ownership for three years.

In the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on Friday, Pratt said he had sold 38 of his horses to Chris Street, for the sum of “approximately” $6000.

When asked by Magistrate Ian Watkins how he knew Mr Street, Pratt said he was a “mate from back in the day”.

When quizzed about how he came up with the figure of $6000, Pratt said some of the mares were valued at $500 and the rest were not worth much.

Disgraced horse breeder Gavan James Pratt has again fronted the Shepparton Magistrates' Court.

However, when Mr Street was unable to be in court, the magistrate said he was “not satisfied the horses (had) been validly sold”.

As a result, Mr Watkins adjourned the matter until February 2, and put the onus on Pratt to ensure Mr Street would appear to give evidence.

All 110 horses remain under RSPCA care.

Investigators found horses in his paddocks with open wounds that were weeks or months old, and horses with ribs showing from starvation due to lack of access to suitable food.

About 1000 reports of animal cruelty concerning more than 6300 horses of varying breeds were made in Victoria in 2022 and 2023.

Causing unreasonable pain or suffering to an animal has a maximum penalty of $48,077.50 or 12 months imprisonment.

Anyone with concerns for the welfare of an animal, illegal breeding, or suspicious animal sales can call RSPCA on 03 9224 2222.