A 38-year-old Waroona woman has been found guilty to three counts of animal cruelty under the Animal Welfare Act.
Fiona Suzzane Wall appeared in the Mandurah Magistrates Court on Monday.
The charges relate to three horses found on Wall’s property in March, 2016.
An RSPCA inspector was called to the property following a report from Murray Shire rangers.
When the inspector arrived at the property, they found a mare, Ally, already deceased, a female foal, Rosie, emaciated and unable to stand, and a gelding, Patch, alive but in poor condition.
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An independent veterinarian was called to the property and determined that Rosie, the foal, was in such bad condition that she couldn’t be saved.
The only humane course of action was to end her suffering.
Patch was seized and removed from the property, and taken to a local vet where he was examined.
He was found to be in extremely poor condition, with his pelvis and ribs clearly showing.
Following initial treatment, Patch was placed with an experienced foster carer, where he has remained for over two years. He has made a slow but full recovery.
Wall was prohibited from being in charge of horses for three years and Patch, the only surviving horse has been forfeited to the Crown.
She was given a supervision order and 100 hours of community service.
The RSPCA said Wall would also have to pay legal costs of $8008 and $667.75 disbursements, plus reimbursement of care and veterinary costs of $8650.29.
RSPCA WA chief inspector Amanda Swift said the case was “truly distressing”.
“Had the owner taken action earlier and sought help, we would have been able to save Ally and Rosie,” she said.
“Instead, the owner neglected her duty to all three animals by allowing them to suffer malnourishment and emaciation.
“She failed to take steps to relieve their suffering even though their poor condition was very apparent and she was aware of it.”
“This is a reminder to everyone that animals rely on their owners absolutely for every need. In this case each horse’s access to appropriate nutrition was solely in the control of the owner.
“There is no shame in putting up your hand and asking for help before a situation gets out of control, as it did in this case.”
