More than 500 dead horses found at property near Wagga Wagga, police launch major investigation

A major investigation is under way after hundreds of dead horses were found “butchered” at a property in southwest NSW.

More than 500 horse carcasses were found “butchered” and dumped in a dry creek bed at the property near Wagga Wagga, in the state’s Riverina region.

Wagga Wagga City Council said it was leading the joint investigation into the “slaughtering” of the animals.

“Initially the focus of the investigation was to confirm whether the carcasses had been left in the dry creek bed and possible offences under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act,” a council spokesperson said.

“Once the inspection of the property commenced it became clear that the slaughtering of horses had been occurring for a long period of time.”

The council found “numerous separate dumps of carcasses” throughout the property.

“It is estimated that there are in excess of 500 horse carcasses. Some of these carcasses were no more than skeletal remains while others were killed relatively recently,” the spokesperson continued.

“Once the extent of the operation had been identified, NSW Police and other state government agencies began collecting evidence for possible offences and regulatory actions under a range of NSW state government legislation.”

NSW Police confirmed it was supporting council with the investigation.

Council said the NSW Food Authority, Local Land Services, the Department of Primary Industries and Racing NSW had also been called to support their inquiries.

Investigations continue.