RSPCA calls on owners to take greater responsibility

CEO of RSPCA Victoria, Maria Mercurio, has called on owners to put in place management plans to ensure the welfare of their animals while drought conditions persist.

“Sadly, we are now beginning to see below the tip of the iceberg in relation to the impact of the drought on our animals. What we’re seeing is very disturbing.

“We want to work more closely with owners to reduce the alarming increase in the number of inspections, complaints and referrals of cruelty to horses and livestock the RSPCA is responding to,” Ms Mercurio said.

Over the past three months, for example, RSPCA Victoria inspectors have attended 885 horse investigations and complaints compared to 485 in the same period last year. This is a staggering increase of 83%.

Over the past six months the increase has been 70%.

In recent years Victoria has endured severe drought conditions, which has resulted in limited pasture being available. The RSPCA is asking horse and livestock owners to look very closely at their animal’s nutritional needs during the winter months. Just because there may be a tinge of green in the grass does not guarantee it contains the nutritional value that horses require during winter.

Once it gets cold it can be very difficult to keep the weight on horses. Owners must keep a regular check on their horses’ body condition and respond appropriately. If the horse is not holding its weight and the owner cannot provide appropriate supplementary feed the owner must consider de-stocking.

Like humans, horses burn the energy in the food they consume to keep themselves warm in cold weather, they will need more energy from their food to keep their weight up and stay healthy.

Horses at most risk were those with extra energy demands, such as pregnant mares, aged horses, those subject to extreme weather or with foals at foot, and those in work.  Extra hay and hard feed rations were usually required. Good quality hay provides fibre and roughage and the heat produced during digestion provides an internal heating system.

It is not only the RSPCA’s job to investigate whether owners are meeting their legal obligations to provide adequate care to their animals, but also to work with owners to find humane solutions for their animals. Some owners may have to make urgent decisions in the best interest of their animal’s welfare.Ms Mercurio said, “RSPCA inspectors have responded to every call but the task given the current drought conditions is daunting.

“When responding to reports, our immediate priority is to ensure that the animals are out of immediate risk, and then we will conduct an investigation to establish whether there has been any breach of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

“We will prosecute offenders if necessary or where appropriate and continue to work with and influence government to improve the legislative framework and enforcement.

“As an additional step in the strategy we have developed to deal with this impending crisis, we are recruiting three new inspectors.

“This is a community issue – an issue that touches everyone. As the RSPCA is a not-for-profit organisation which is heavily dependent upon community support we are also asking people to support us in our vital work,” Ms Mercurio said.

Horse starving due to drought	Same horse after assistance