A horse has been seized and another is due to receive urgent medical care after authorities inspected a property on the New South Wales south coast.
RSCPA inspectors and an equine specialist veterinarian visited an agistment property at Bewong, near Nowra on Friday following complaints about horses in poor condition.
RSCPA said it had been working with the owners of the horses to improve their welfare and have issued instructions relating to veterinary treatment and feeding.
Deputy chief inspector Scott Meyers said the situation had not been resolved, prompting them to take further action today.
He said there were six horses overall that were in need of attention, some of which had been affected by parasites.
"There were two horses that we were extremely concerned about, they were substantially aged horses so they require extra care," Mr Meyers said.
Owners instructed to provide veterinary care
One of those two horses was seized, but the other was unable to be seized because of "a fairly substantial medical problem" and the owner has been instructed to provide urgent veterinary care within 24 hours.
The RSPCA said the other four horses were not legally able to be seized and their owners have been directed to provide treatment and supplementary feeding.
Mr Meyers said it was too early to say whether charges would be laid as investigations continued, and it was a reminder about caring for aged horses.
"It's important for people to try and have realistic approaches in relation to horses and their horse care," he said.
"Understand that if the horses aren't doing well, if you're feeding them and the horse still isn't in an acceptable condition, they need to make extra effort, they need to consult with veterinarians.
"Older horses lose teeth, which is a fairly common thing and it becomes harder for them to chew and digest food properly."
