Another horse death after Vic mass rescue

The death toll of starving horses found on a Melbourne property has risen after another horse was euthanased.

Twenty-two dead horses were found by police on a Bulla property on Sunday, with others severely malnourished and one that needed to be euthanased.

The RSPCA took 23 live horses from the property on Monday, but a severely emaciated elderly horse has since had to be euthanased, becoming the second horse to be put down.

The surviving horses are being kept in secret locations and are being cared for by the RSPCA, veterinarians and the Horse Shepherd Equine Sanctuary charity.

Three horses have been treated for colic.

Racing Victoria is helping to pay for the ongoing care of the horses.

Police were called to the Bulla property on Sunday, after neighbours found the horses when investigating a foul smell.

The RSPCA has come under fire for its handling of the case, after revealing it first received a report about the property on March 22.

Olympian-turned-horse-trainer Bruce Akers, 63, has been charged with 92 counts of animal cruelty and criminal damage offences.

He was granted bail in the Broadmeadows Magistrates Court on Monday and will reappear on May 2.