A Whanganui man has been sentenced after three thoroughbred mares and their foals were found to be underweight and in poor condition.
The offender was convicted in the Whanganui District Court on three charges, following what SPCA described as years of involvement and “repeated warnings” in the case.
“The offending involved three thoroughbred mares and their foals who were consistently found in poor condition, due to inadequate nutrition,” said a spokesperson.
The charges related to “failing to ensure the physical, health and behavioural needs of animals were met, by failing to provide proper and sufficient food.”
Animal inspectors first visited the property in May 2017 after receiving “concerns about underweight horses”, according to the SPCA, but despite multiple follow-up inspections and guidance provided to the owner, the animals’ condition failed to improve.
“The offender repeatedly failed to provide proper care, which resulted in their poor body condition.”
A spokesperson said the offender was disqualified from owning horses for four years, except for one horse, and ordered to pay reparations to the SPCA.
He was also sentenced on Friday to 120 hours of community work.
Two of the horses involved “have since been adopted into loving homes, and the third is currently available for adoption through SPCA,” they added.
SPCA chief executive Todd Westwood said the case was a reminder of the “long-term commitment and responsibility” that comes with caring for horses.
“Despite repeated support and guidance, this individual failed to meet even the most basic standards, leaving these animals to suffer. We’re grateful they’re now safe and receiving the care they deserve,” he said in a media release.
“Horses have complex needs and require consistent, knowledgeable care.”
He said that the SPCA’s adoption fee structure for horses had recently changed to be by koha or a donation, as “we know that there are fewer homes available for farm animals”.
“We want to ensure they don’t get overlooked and can find their forever homes.”
