The owner of a Wonga Beach horse riding business has been charged with animal cruelty by the RSPCA and will appear in court after several horses under her care were put down. 

The owner of Bana Bama Horse Rides, in Wonga Beach, was investigated by the RSPCA after multiple reports of horse mistreatment, malnutrition and starvation. 

RSPCA spokesperson Michael Beatty said that two horses under care at the property were beyond saving. 

“We asked for a vet to visit this property about a month ago and the condition of two of the horses was so bad it was decided to euthanase them,” Mr Beatty said.  

“[The owner] is currently down to looking after just one horse.”

The business’s approval to operate was removed by Douglas Shire Council in March after the owner failed to provide evidence that the business had public liability insurance. 

Council operations manager Paul Hoye said officers had tried to work with the owner but to no avail.

“Council officers spent a considerable amount of time over several months providing assistance to Bana Bama Horse Rides operators to help them comply with these legal requirements without success. Mr Hoye said. 

“As a result, Bama Bama Horse Rides operators were informed by Council they could not use the beach and foreshore or any other Council land as part of their business activities until they could provide evidence of current public liability insurance.” 

The owner is due to appear in court on May 6, facing four counts of breach of duty of care under the Animal Care and Protection Act. 

The charges carry a maximum sentence of a $30,000 fine or a year’s imprisonment if found guilty.