RSPCA seizure: Breeder Gavan James Pratt banned from owning horses

A well-known horse breeder in the state’s north has been permanently banned from ownership after the RSPCA seized more than 100 horses from his property.

Gavan James Pratt, disgraced horse breeder, has been sentenced for cruelty against animals offences.

A prominent Victorian horse breeder has been permanently banned from owning any of the animals after the RSPCA seized more than 100 horses from his property over animal cruelty offences.

Gavan James Pratt, 60, of Girgarre, pleaded guilty in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday to animal cruelty by failing to provide veterinary or other treatment for seven sick and injured animals, aggravated cruelty on two animals which resulted in death and being in contravention of a court order to no longer be in charge of horses.

In September 2023, Pratt was disqualified from owning horses for three years however in the following months he purchased new horses.

The RSPCA attended the property and saw there had been no decrease in the amount of horses on Pratt’s property so in December 2023, 107 horses were seized.

The court heard in the 15 weeks following the court order to no longer own or be in charge of horses, Pratt had only sold two, purchased five more with eight seriously sick and five needing to be euthanised.

The injuries and illness suffered by the horses included broken legs, open flesh wounds, split hoofs and emaciation.

Gavan James Pratt pleaded guilty to two charges in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

Defence lawyer Kyle McDonald said Pratt was “deluding” himself and trying to delude officers by coming up with various excuses during the investigation.

He said Pratt purchased more horses hoping to get some mares pregnant and make them more attractive to sell as a “package deal”.

“What he should have done was take urgent action to divest himself of the animals,” he said.

The court heard Pratt was granted three months by the RSPCA to sell his horses, however the court order did not allow for that time.

Magistrate Olivia Trumble said buying more horses “flies in the face of the order”.

“A sceptic might say he had no intention of pulling up stumps,” she said.

“The conduct in the weeks following the initial court hearing doesn’t speak of someone who prioritises the health and wellbeing of animals.”

Ms Trumble said having to seize more than 100 animals was a “huge burden” on the RSPCA, which was funded primarily through donations.

Pratt was convicted and sentenced to a two year community corrections order which included 200 hours of community work and treatment for mental health.

He was also ordered to pay $77,130 to cover part of the costs incurred by the RSPCA and disqualified from owning and or being in charge of horses permanently.