RSPCA Victoria has opened its new equine facilities at its Peninsula Animal Care Centre in Pearcedale.
The new purpose-built stables – made possible thanks to a grant from the State Government – provide customised facilities for vulnerable Victorian horses in need of care, rehabilitation, and rehoming.
RSPCA Victoria is responsible for investigating reports of cruelty and neglect for horses, ponies and donkeys in Victoria.
Since July 2014, more than 420 horses and donkeys have been admitted into its care after being reported to its Inspectorate.
Designed and built by Champion Stable Systems, experts in the field of stable design, the new facilities cater to a variety of requirements including consideration of animals that require speciality care such as veterinary treatment.
The new Pearcedale stables better equip RSPCA Victoria to care for horses with state-of-the-art equipment and facilities to enable more effective treatment and rehabilitation.
They also increase the organisation’s capacity to care for incoming seized or surrendered animals.
The stables can accommodate a diverse group of animals with a range of health concerns.
They also provide additional shelter for animals requiring rest during treatment and the ability to monitor more closely those in various stages of recovery.
Additionally, the facilities provide a safe haven for animals who may be distressed by arrival in an unfamiliar area.
Dr Liz Walker, CEO at RSPCA Victoria, said the Peninsula stables were greatly needed and marked a new phase of care at the shelter.
“We are so grateful for the Victorian Government’s support and for the grant that allowed us to build the new stables.
“They will greatly improve the level of care we can provide for horses, ponies and donkeys in the future.
“Horse welfare is of particular concern in Victoria. In 2019 – 2020, RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate received more than 6700 cruelty reports involving horses and is currently monitoring more than 900 horses in the community which are, or may become, vulnerable.
“Some of those horses may be cared for in these new facilities,” said Dr Walker.
Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas said, “We are proud to support organisations like RSPCA Victoria that provide important services and care for horses in need, and welcome the opening of a purpose-built facility that will help improve equine welfare across Victoria.”
Dr Walker said the RSPCA team had worked closely with Champion Stable Systems to create an facility that was comfortable, functional and safe.
They are “underpinned by an understanding that some of the animals that come into our care are from poor welfare backgrounds or may never have spent time in a stable or confined space,” she explained.
The stables have been designed as low maintenance facilities with regard to simple and safe access for cleaning and ease of purpose however incorporate state-of-the-art features and high-quality fixtures. The design elevates the use of natural light and air flow and includes dedicated water tanks, has energy efficient lighting, security and the ability to stage CCTV.
Leon Joyce of Champion Stable Systems said, “We are very grateful to have been given the opportunity to work with an organisation held in such high esteem as RSPCA Victoria. We are extremely proud to have been involved in designing and building a rehabilitation facility for neglected and mistreated horses.
“The passion and input of RSPCA Victoria, its staff and all stakeholders, ensured the end result was a safe and healing environment for these animals.”
Featuring five indoor stalls each with sand day-yards, revolving feed bins, sliding stable doors and specialty rubber flooring, there is also a moveable wall to create additional space and housing for a mare and foal along with a crush to assist with treating horses requiring veterinary treatment.
The new facility also includes a tack and a feed room with space for scales, and a hot wash bay with non-slip flooring.
