10 October 2025

RSPCA WA has welcomed the State Government’s release of new standards to help improve the health and welfare of horses in Western Australia.

The Standards and Guidelines for the Health and Welfare of Horses set clear expectations for good care, providing a consistent framework that applies to everyone responsible for horses, from recreational owners to those involved in professional or commercial equestrian settings.

RSPCA WA Chief Operating Officer Hannah Dreaver described the guidelines as a positive step forward for horse welfare in our state.

“Horses are complex animals with physical, behavioural, and social needs that require daily care, attention and understanding,” Ms Dreaver said.

“Maintaining a horse’s wellbeing can be costly and time-consuming, from feed and veterinary care to appropriate housing, exercise, and companionship. It’s easy for people to underestimate the level of responsibility involved and when a horse’s needs aren’t fully met, we often see poor welfare outcomes.”

In 2024-25, RSPCA WA inspectors responded to 371 reports involving a total of 514 horses across the state. 

Most were related to insufficient care and general neglect including starvation, poor nutrition, lack of basic hoof and dental care, and veterinary treatment not being sought when needed.

RSPCA WA currently has three horse-related prosecutions before the courts. The accused, from Pinjarra, Bullsbrook, and Manjimup, are facing a total of 20 cruelty charges in relation to 12 horses.

On 4 August 2025, a 66-year-old man, also from Manjimup, was fined $5,000 and ordered to pay $45,777 in costs after being convicted for animal cruelty in relation to two horses who were suffering chronic laminitis and overgrown, untended hooves.

On 25 July 2025, a 67-year-old Serpentine man was convicted of animal cruelty and fined $10,000 in relation to his 18-year-old horse who was emaciated, dehydrated, and had severely overgrown hooves, and pressure sores. She was so poorly neglected she was unable to be saved.

Ms Dreaver urged anyone involved with caring for horses to familiarise themselves with the standards and guidelines.

“They provide a strong foundation for better horse welfare, but ensuring they’re well understood, widely adopted and supported through education will be key to their success.

“The ongoing review of the Animal Welfare Act 2002 is also an important opportunity to ensure WA’s legislation continues to reflect contemporary understanding of animal welfare and supports meaningful, proactive action to protect animals.”

The RSPCA relies on the community to report incidents of suspected cruelty and neglect. Report cruelty on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358) or at rspcawa.org.au.