West Pinjarra couple charged with neglecting horses

A West Pinjarra couple have been charged after allegedly neglecting their four horses.

The 71-year-old man and 65-year-old woman appeared in the Mandurah Magistrates Court on Friday charged with a combined 19 offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2002.

RSPCA WA were first called to the property back in October 2024 after reports of underweight horses with no access to food.

Inspectors found the horses to be of poor body condition and an investigation was commenced.

During the course of the investigation, inspectors issued written directions to the owners for sufficient food to be made available to the horses.

It's alleged the couple hindered the investigation by rattling gates to scare the horses away and the man prevented inspectors from gathering evidence and used abusive gestures.

All four horses were then 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. 

The West Pinjarra couple will reappear in court on November 21.