10 October 2025
A 71-year-old man and 65-year-old woman have appeared in Mandurah Magistrates Court on a combined 19 charges under the Animal Welfare Act 2002. The charges are in relation to four horses seized from the pair’s West Pinjarra property by RSPCA WA inspectors.
Each accused is charged with six counts of animal cruelty for allegedly failing to provide enough food for the horses and for allegedly allowing two of the horses to suffer untreated medical conditions.
The male accused has also been charged with two counts of failing to comply with a written direction by an RSPCA WA inspector and three counts of obstructing an RSPCA WA inspector. The female accused is facing one charge of failing to comply with a written direction and one of obstruction.
RSPCA WA received a report detailing underweight horses with no access to food in October 2024.
RSPCA WA inspectors attended the property and an investigation was commenced, during the course of which the horses were observed to be of poor body condition and without access to sufficient food, despite an inspector issuing written directions that sufficient food be made available.
It is alleged both accused hindered the investigation by rattling gates to scare the horses away, and the male accused prevented the inspector from gathering evidence and used abusive gestures.
All four horses were subsequently seized with assistance from WA Police.
Equine vet examinations revealed all the horses were suffering the effects of prolonged starvation and malnutrition. Other health issues including abnormal hoof growth were also noted.
Both accused have been charged under sections 19(1), 19(3)(d), 19(3)(h), 40(2), and 77(a) of the Animal Welfare Act 2002.
The matter has been adjourned to 21 November 2025.
The maximum penalty for a conviction of animal cruelty is a $50,000 fine and five years in prison. The maximum penalty for each of the other convictions is a $20,000 fine and one year in prison.
The RSPCA relies on the community to report incidents of suspected cruelty and neglect. Report cruelty on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358) or at rspcawa.org.au.
