The operator of a leading horse riding tourist attraction in the Megalong Valley was last week found guilty of nine offences relating to mistreatment of horses and ordered to pay fines and costs in excess of $40,000, but told the Gazette she is innocent and intends to appeal the decision.
Glenda Lane from Megalong Horse Riding Adventures and Megalong Australian Heritage Centre did not appear at a hearing held at Katoomba Local Court on Tuesday, April 10, where magistrate Helen Barry found her guilty of seven charges of failing to provide veterinary treatment to five horses in her care and two charges of failing to provide proper and sufficient food to two horses in her care.
RSPCA inspectors attended Ms Lane’s property on August 31, 2011 in response to a complaint about the condition of horses at her property and after a veterinarian inspected the condition of 47 horses, two were seized after being identified as having very poor body condition and suffering dental conditions and extreme malnutrition.
Instructions were issued by the RSPCA relating to veterinary treatment for another five horses suffering from conditions including granulating wounds, white line disease (seedy toe), a corneal ulcer, split and overgrown hooves and severe exuding dermatitis.
According to evidence sheets in the court papers for the case, a veterinary examination of the seven horses arranged by the RSPCA in September 2011 found some of them had medical conditions for at least six weeks prior that were most likely causing pain and discomfort and two horses had a body condition rating of only one out of five.
The seized horses, a bay mare called Vickie and a bay gelding called Rumour, gained significant weight after dentistry and appropriate feeding were provided by an RSPCA treatment centre in Yagoona.
A mare was surrendered by Ms Lane on September 9, 2011 and was re-homed by the RSPCA.
Magistrate Barry ordered Ms Lane to pay $19,500 in fines and another $20,771.36 to the RSPCA to cover legal costs and veterinary treatment and transportation of horses.
All charges come under the NSW Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and Regulations.
RSPCA NSW chief inspector David OShannessy told the Gazette on Monday the animal welfare organisation is “reasonably happy with the outcome.
“What makes it all the more concerning is that this is an establishment that offers horse riding,” Mr OShannessy said.
“It was a significant fine (given by the magistrate) and hopefully that sends a clear message and serves as a reminder that all animals under a person’s care must be provided food and veterinary treatment.”
Ms Lane told the Gazette on Friday she was unable to attend the hearing due to illness and she lodged a document to appeal the findings to the NSW Attorney General on April 12.
“I have pleaded not guilty (to all the charges) — there has been a very vexatious campaign made by people using the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act,” Ms Lane said.
“I have 90 horses on my property and 300 head of livestock — I love animals, I do look after them and anybody who knows my property knows of its high calibre and the care and attention given to the animals.
“I’m definitely confident of it (an appeal being successful).”
