A man will face court today charged with 270 counts of alleged animal cruelty offences in the state’s west.
In May 2026, detectives attached to Central West Police District Rural Crime Prevention Team commenced an investigation following reports of animal cruelty at a property in Bowan Park, about 25km west of Orange.
Between May 2026 and June 2026, detectives – with assistance from RSPCA NSW, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, and Local Land Services NSW – conducted several inspections at the property.
During these inspections, police will allege 39 deceased horses were located, with a cow and several horses euthanised due to their poor condition. A further 104 horses were seized by RSPCA NSW under Section 24Q of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Following extensive investigations, about 9am yesterday (Thursday 25 June 2026), investigators attended the property and arrested a 51-year-old man.
He was taken to Orange Police Station where he was charged with 270 offences,
- 67 counts of recklessly beat cause prolonged suffering to an animal
- 67 counts of commit an act of aggravated cruelty upon an animal
- 68 counts of fail to provide proper and sufficient food to an animal, and
- 68 counts of being in charge of an animal fail to provide veterinary treatment.
He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Local Court 4 today (Friday 26 June 2026).
