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Cruelty claims in horse theft
Karen Collier
August 30, 2006 12:00am
Thin: one of the clydesdales at the Tolmie property. Picture: Animal Liberation Victoria
POLICE are investigating the theft of a horse from a property at the centre of an alleged cruelty row.
Animal activists say dozens of horses have languished at the site near Mansfield, despite repeated complaints.
A woman who bought up to 30 horses to save them from the knackery this year has refused requests to cut the number at her Tolmie property.
The RSPCA denies cruelty has occurred, saying the horses were in poor condition when bought.
At least two have been put down because of poor health.
One sick mare was stolen at the weekend.
Local Kay Sundborn, who has made constant complaints about the condition of the horses, was quizzed by police but denied stealing.
"It wasn't me, but I'm glad someone did it," Ms Sundborn said.
Animal Liberation Victoria president Patty Mark also denied that her organisation had orchestrated the theft.
ALV has accused the RSPCA of neglecting the horses' plight.
But RSPCA inspectorate services manager Greg Boland said the hand-fed brumbies and clydesdales suffered from worms, not starvation.
Mr Boland said officers could not confiscate the animals because the owner had followed orders for vet inspections, treatment and feeding.
He said the horses were frail, but most had improved since they were bought. The case showed the need for tougher laws to deal with hoarded animals, Mr Boland said.
The RSPCA handles about 30 such cases, where animals such as cats and horses are crammed into unsuitable properties, each year.
"We have advised the property owner to reduce the number of stock but we cannot force her to do so," Mr Boland said.
Ms Mark is planning to complain to State Ombudsman George Brouwer over the RSPCA's handling of the matter.
"We think the current situation of these horses . . . is appalling," Ms Mark said.
Property owner Heidi Schade said yesterday she cared for the horses.
Ms Schade accused others of spreading misinformation.
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