On Wednesday, May 27, Northey was convicted on 54 counts of failing to provide adequate food, water and care to her horses, with fines and costs adding up to $103,890.

As well as the monetary penalties, she was ordered to surrender all horses in her care within 28 days and is prohibited from purchasing, owning or caring for any horse for 10 years.

RSPCA NSW chief inspector David OShannessy said he was happy with the result.

“It confirms that individuals with animals in their care have an obligation to ensure that the animals are provided with veterinary treatment if required and that they have access to or are provided with proper and sufficient food and shelter,” Mr OShannessy said.

However, he pointed out while the penalty requires Ms Northey to dispose of her horses within 28 days, “she is not required to surrender them to the RSPCA”.

“Additional comment regarding the number of horses and how the RSPCA might manage them would only be speculation at this stage, given that Ms Northey has over three weeks to comply with the court’s orders.

“We confirm that matters of animal cruelty and neglect are taken seriously by the RSPCA and that we will work in accordance with the provisions of the prevention of cruelty to animals act to investigate and prosecute matters were appropriate.

“We would also encourage anyone with any information of concerns regarding the alleged neglect or cruelty to animals to report those concerns so that they can be investigated and the appropriate action taken.”

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