The Department of Primary Industries is investigating allegations of animal neglect at a long-standing horse-riding centre, but the owner says the claims are “totally false”.
Operating since the 1980s, the centre has become a popular place for people of all ages to enjoy horseback trail-riding experiences.
However, some workers and volunteers of the Mooloolah Valley Riding Centre have raised ongoing concerns about the health and welfare of the horses.
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An online petition, which now has more than 2700 signatures, has been lodged seeking the RSPCA and the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) close the centre.
Hitting back at the claims, centre owner Atalanta Moreau said the allegations were wrong and she had been “cleared of any misconduct”.
Petition organiser Melanie O’Brien managed and volunteered at the centre intermittently over a 23-year period until 2017 and claims she saw first-hand the condition of the animals.
She alleges the animals are “mistreated” and “underfed” with “many visibly emaciated to the point of showing their bones”.
Ms O’Brien said reports had been made to the RSPCA and DPI over the years, but “no significant action” had been taken.
Ms Moreau has denied claims the horses are neglected and maintained she operates the ranch in a professional manner.
“We have been inspected by biosecurity and totally cleared of any misconduct,” she told Sunshine Coast News.
“There is absolutely no case of any mistreatment or neglect to any horses at Mooloolah Valley Riding Centre.
“I have operated this business since 1980 in a transparent and totally professional manner.
“I will not have my business slandered after 45 years of service to the community and tourist industry.”
One anonymous volunteer who led trail rides in 2014 came forward following the petition claiming customers asked “why the horses are skinny”.
Another said during her time at the centre between 2018 and 2019 she only saw the horses fed “cheap round bales” rather than hard feed.
According to the petition, an RSPCA case number had been assigned to the animal welfare complaint.
The RSPCA told Sunshine Coast News the case had been referred to the DPI, which a DPI spokesperson confirmed.
“The Department of Primary Industries is investigating a complaint regarding horses in the Mooloolah Valley area,” the spokesperson said.
“As this matter is currently under investigation, we cannot provide any further comment at this time.”
The riding centre is located at Mooloolah Valley Ranch on King Road and also offers accommodation houses and events under the banner of Mooloolah Valley Holidays.
