RSPCA inspectors seized three Arab horses and a pony from Richard Robert Drozd, 52, in February 2013 after grave concerns were raised about their health and welfare.
One of the stallions was so badly emaciated he collapsed several times during initial treatment.
The chief inspector for the RSPCA in Western Australia, Amanda Swift, said the stallion was one of the worst cases of horse neglect she had seen in her 15 years with the RSPCA in WA and the UK.
During the RSPCA's investigation, Drozd, from Wanneroo, a northern suburb of Perth, lied to inspectors that a vet had checked the animals.
He also claimed he was unable to afford food for the horses after separating from his wife, but refused to surrender them to the RSPCA until months later.
After receiving treatment, the pony and one horse were euthanased due to unrelated medical conditions.
The other two horses have since made a remarkable recovery after 12 months of intensive rehabilitation by the RSPCA and been given new homes.
Drozd pleaded guilty to eight charges of animal cruelty in the Joondalup Magistrates Court on Friday.
He was fined $16,000 and banned from owning or being in charge of animals for 15 years.
The court also ordered Drozd to pay more than $10,000 in veterinary costs.
Ms Swift said as an experienced horse owner, Mr Drozd knew how to care for them.
'The treatment of these horses is disgraceful and his actions completely inexcusable,' Ms Swift said.
'The good news is that, against the odds, two of these horses were successfully rehabilitated and are now in great condition and in loving homes.'
(Daily Mail - Sept 8, 2014)
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