Thoroughbred found starving in bushland

RSPCA officials are talking to a far north Queensland horse owner after a severely malnourished ex-racehorse was found wandering in bushland. The chestnut thoroughbred gelding had a torn upper lip, cuts on its legs and a skin infection when it was found on the bottom of the Gillies Range, south of Cairns, on Sunday.

RSPCA far north region inspector Cameron Buswell said the horse was thought to be around 15 years old and weighed about 350 kilograms.

"A horse that size should be around the 450kg mark," Mr Buswell said.

"We occasionally encounter horses in poor condition, but this horse in particular was probably on the more severe side."

Mr Buswell said the owner had contacted the RSPCA today and was being interviewed.

He said the owner could face neglect charges.

"We're just trying to work with the owner at the moment but there may be a possibility of charges," Mr Buswell said.