Lovely Banks woman Jessica Schneider fined after RSPCA allegedly found five horses ‘severely underweight’

A Lovely Banks woman has been fined after the RSPCA allegedly found five of her horses “severely underweight”, including one which had visible ribs and overgrown hoofs.

Five horses were allegedly found “severely underweight” at a Lovely Banks property.

A Lovely Banks woman has been fined but escaped without conviction after the RSPCA allegedly found five of her horses were “severely underweight”.

Jessica Schneider, 34, was charged with two counts of animal cruelty and did not enter a plea at the Geelong Magistrates Court on June 3 this year.

According to court documents, Ms Schneider owned and cared for 15 horses at her Lovely Banks property.

On June 9, 2022, RSPCA inspectors allegedly found five horses “severely underweight” and ten in “moderate” condition at her property.

It was alleged none of the horses had access to pasture and ten had no access to water.

The RSPCA provided water to the horses as no one was home at the time.

An inspector called Ms Schneider that day and told her a notice to comply was issued that stated five of her horses were in poor condition and they must be examined by a vet.

The inspector again called Ms Schneider on June 21, 2022 and she allegedly told him she had “no intention of having the vet examine the horses as they were not needing treatment”.

Two days later, the RSPCA went back to Ms Schneider’s property along with a local vet and police.

She allegedly told officers she did not seek veterinary care for her horses as she “did not think it was necessary”, court documents stated.

All horses at the property were assessed by the vet and six, including a dependent foal, were seized from the property.

The next day, the horses were examined by RSPCA consultant vet Dr Tracey Simmons.

Four of the horses were of poor to moderate health.

The fifth horse was found to be of poor health as it had a sunken rump, visible ribs and overgrown hoofs.

During an interview the following month, Ms Schneider allegedly admitted she knew at least two of the horses were underweight but did not have the finances to provide them with sufficient food or vet care.

She allegedly said she didn’t comply with the notices as she did not understand them and only vaguely remembered the phone calls with the inspector.

In September 2022, while she was receiving an update about her horses in RSPCA’s care, she allegedly said she had an acquired brain injury.

Dr Simmons’ report said Ms Schneider failed to care for the horses.

“Their initial body condition score on admission would have taken weeks to months of calorie deficit … resulting in unnecessary distress and suffering,” the report stated.

“At a minimum, the person in charge should have increased (their) feed … and called for veterinary assistance.”

Ms Schneider was not convicted and fined $2500.

She is not allowed to own or care for horses for the next five years.

Originally published as Lovely Banks woman Jessica Schneider fined after RSPCA allegedly found five horses ‘severely underweight’