RSPCA charges loom: Horse probe

BY HAMISH HEARD
A local vet accused of starving horses at her Lara property faces possible animal cruelty charges following an RSPCA investigation.
Horse breeder and registered vet Dr Julie Tilbrook has been the focus of intense scrutiny and public outrage since RSPCA investigators raided her Contstantine Road property last week.
Images of malnourished and scrawny horses drew protesters and animal rights activists to the Lara property, sparking angry clashes with the horse owner’s family.
RSPCA Victoria chief executive officer Maria Mercurio said the organisation was prep-aring to interview Dr Tilbrook about the state of the horses.
“We’re certainly considering laying charges but we need to go through due process,” Ms Mercurio said.
Neighbours had made statements and local RSPCA Inspector Jason Nicholls was preparing to interview Dr Tilbrook.
“Our initial intervention was to ensure those horses were fed and that is happening now but our inspector will continue monitoring the situation,” Ms Mercurio said.
The owner had blamed the drought for a lack of feed, she said.
“That is not an acceptable excuse for starving those horses nearly to death.”
Lara councillor Tony Ansett yesterday criticised the RSPCA’s handling of the case.
“The role of the RSPCA in this case has been pathetic to date,” he said.
“It’s been in the hands of the RSPCA for three years now.”
Cr Ansett had met City of Greater Geelong bylaws officers to determine whether Ms Tilbrook had breached local laws by keeping too many horses on the property.
“The advice was that, because the matter was being investigated by the RSPCA it falls under the jurisdiction of the RSPCA Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, so bylaws (officers were) unable to intervene.”
Ms Mercurio said allegations the RSPCA had acted too late were “disappointing”.
The Independent was unable to contact Dr Tilbrook yesterday.