Horses found dead in Bulla, Melbourne

A NEIGHBOUR complaining of a foul smell has sparked an investigation into what might be one of Melbourne’s worst cases of animal cruelty.

POLICE have arrested a 63-year-old Bulla man in relation to what might be one of the worst cases of animal cruelty seen in Victoria.

Victoria Police spokeswoman Belinda Batty said the man was assisting with inquiries into the deaths of 22 horses.

Police got the tip-off from a neighbour complaining of a foul smell coming from a Bulla property, in Melbourne’s northwest.

Another horse was put down by a vet, who was called to the Batey Court property by police.

The property’s owner, who neighbours claim changed their phone number just months ago, remains nowhere to be seen.

RSPCA spokeswoman Natalie Filmer said if the owner was found guilty of causing death by neglect, they could face up to two years imprisonment, a $74,620 fine and be banned from owning any animal for at least ten years.

Police, CFA and SES crews were at the home last night.

Neighbour Julie Brown did not report the smell, but said she was revolted by the horrific neglect, claiming up to 50 steeds were regularly locked away in a stuffy stable.

“It’s blown us away, it’s just horrific,” she said.

On Friday she called the council after seeing four emaciated horses on the property, barely clinging to life.

“The ones down the bottom were exceptionally skinny,” she said.

“It’s revolting from the perspective that we have livestock as well and you respect them, and make sure they are fed. If it’s the case that our neighbour has let them starve then it’s just disgusting.”

RSPCA spokeswoman Natalie Filmer said animal welfare inspectors are liaising with police.

“We’re expecting to attend the property throughout Monday to assist police with their inquiries,” she said.

SES and CFA volunteers assisted police with the horrific task of sorting through the corpses of the horses.

Cases of cruelty and neglect in Victoria are on the rise, according to figures collected by the RSPCA figures have shown an alarming rise.

The animal welfare group received 10,740 complaints of animal cruelty and neglect.

Failure to provide an animal with sufficient food, water or shelter topped was the most common offence reported, followed by husbandry, abandonment and poor treatment of sick animals.

The investigation continues.

Anyone with any information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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Originally published as Horses found dead in Bulla, Melbourne