RSPCA Victoria has seized 17 emaciated horses from a property in the Mornington Peninsula.
The horses were seized on Thursday after a member of the community reported concern for the animals’ welfare, the RSPCA said in an official statement.
Inspector Kerrie Gregory said all the horses were in “very poor” condition.
“The horses are very thin, which is deeply concerning when pasture levels (in the state) are reasonable,” Insp. Gregory said.
She said the animals are now in the care of equine veterinarians who will work to restore them back to a healthy condition.
“The next few days will be critical. Horses in low body condition need to be fed carefully and monitored….”
Insp. Gregory urged owners to be “realistic” with their ability to feed their horses leading up to winter.
“If it’s tough to make ends meet now, it’s only going to get harder.”
Investigations into the owners of the seized horses are ongoing.