Gavan James Pratt, 59, has 110 horses seized by RSPCA at Girgarre, near Shepparton

The RSPCA has seized 110 mistreated horses from a country breeder who has been sent to court over the cruel and disgusting treatment of the animals.

*** WARNING: GRAPHIC IMAGE *** Sick looking horse on a Woombye property.

The RSPCA has seized horses — including many registered racing thoroughbreds — with open wounds and emaciated bodies from a well known Victorian breeder.

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 after he was banned for three years from being the owner or in charge of any horse.

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.

Pratt pleaded guilty in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court in September to animal cruelty charges after he failed to provide veterinary treatment to injured horses and failed to provide sufficient food and was convicted and fined $5000.

He had three months to comply with the court order following his sentencing, but a RSPCA investigation revealed he had bought more horses.

RSPCA chief inspector Michael Stagg said Pratt’s actions were a “blatant disregard of a court order”.

“If you want to own an animal in Victoria, you must take care of that animal,” Mr Stagg said.

“These horses will now receive the veterinary care they need, and we’re hopeful some will be able to be adopted while others may be suitable for rehoming via one of Racing Victoria’s post-racing programs.”

Many of the horses were registered racing thoroughbreds, with Racing Victoria taking disciplinary action against the unregistered breeder earlier in the year.

Racing Victoria Stewards issued 17 charges — four for failing to provide veterinary treatment and 13 for failing to provide sufficient food — against Pratt, following an investigation into the care and welfare of his horses.

Racing Victoria’s general manager Melissa Ware said “horse welfare is non-negotiable”.

“Whilst (Pratt) was not a licensed participant, Racing Victoria Stewards took disciplinary action against (him) in their capacity as an owner and breeder with a disqualification imposed by the independent Victorian Racing Tribunal earlier this year,’’ she said.

Horses on Pratt’s property were showing ribs from malnutrition. File image.

“Once the RSPCA have completed their veterinary assessments, we’ll work with them to assess the suitability of the registered thoroughbreds, which form a subset of the horses seized, to enter one of our post-racing programs that include rehabilitation, retraining and rehoming.”

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

RSPCA Victoria Inspectors completed a major operation in regional Victoria area earlier this week and seized 110 horses from two Campaspe properties. Picture: RSPCA Victoria.

The majority of cruelty reports related to malnourished horses, poor hygiene and living conditions, and insufficient veterinary treatments of sick horses.

The top three LGAs for reports of horse-related animal cruelty were:

• Yarra Ranges Shire Council – 73 reports
• Cardinia Shire Council – 66 reports
• City of Greater Bendigo – 56 reports

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/