RSPCA investigates horse deaths at Narrawong
The complaints follow the deaths of four out of 13 horses on the Narrawong property that were put down after they were found lying down and unable to stand.
The Department of Primary Industries is investigating whether the horses had a disease, but has ruled out horse flu.
"A horse was euthanased by a private practitioner on 19 February 2008, and taken to DPI's diagnostic facility at Attwood for post mortem," DPI senior veterinary officer Mike Jeffers said.
"At this stage we are awaiting final results of the post mortem."
He said further investigations into the deaths could follow, pending the outcome of the autopsy.
Concerned neighbours and owners who had leased horses to the property's owner raised the alarm, believing the horses were not being fed.
Neighbour Liz Novotny told the Herald Sun there was no feed in the paddock for the horses, which were very skinny.
"I'm pretty upset about it and worried about what's going to happen to the horses," she said.
"The property is full of horses but there's no grass in the paddock for them."
RSPCA senior inspector Lisa Weston said the RSPCA was working with the DPI on their investigation.
"We are trying to establish what's happened. We want to make sure the remaining horses are OK," she said.
"It's sad for everyone involved and we hope we can find out what's happened."
Ms Weston said the RSPCA had worked with the owner in the past.
"We have received information about that property, about horses on that property, but no cruelty case has been established out there before," she said.
She said it was too early to say whether the owner would face any charges.
People found guilty of extreme animal cruelty can be banned from having pets for up to 10 years.
Those guilty of aggravated acts of cruelty against animals such as pets and farm animals face heavy fines and possible jail terms.
The property owner could not be contacted for comment yesterday.
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