
Call for action on reports of cruelty to horses
THE INVESTIGATION into animal cruelty on a Greymare property has been labelled "disgusting" by concerned passers-by who initially reported starved horses and carcases to authorities.
Launched by Biosecurity Queensland, the investigation has now been in operation for more than two months with no result.
"I just don't understand it, how much more proof do they need," one concerned resident said.
"They know this has happened here before but they just allow the owner to do this again and again."
Biosecurity Queensland stated it cannot make specific comments about matters currently under investigation.
The agency has assured that horses on the property have been taken into the care of the state.
"The horses have been seized and are currently under the care of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry," a Biosecurity Queensland spokesperson said.
Property owners who initially passed on information to the RSPCA in December said they were contacted to testify after the news of the incident hit the press.
However all have stated they had not received anything further information from the department.
According to unconfirmed sources the property owner has moved to NSW since the accusations have come to light, seriously complicating the jurisdiction of Biosecurity Queensland.
"We called them to let them know the horses had been moved; they had an opportunity to deal with it," the source said.
According to Animal Liberation Queensland, the owner could face up to one year's imprisonment and/or a $22,500 fine if found in breach of duty of care.
The owner could also receive the maximum penalty for cruelty is $75,000 and/or two years imprisonment if found guilty of animal cruelty under the Animal Care and Protections Act 2001.
The Warwick Daily News has attempted to contact the property owner multiple times