A man has been charged after more than 40 horses were found dead or malnourished at a Melbourne property.

Twenty-two horses, believed to be thoroughbreds or former race horses, were found dead and another needed to be euthanised by a vet after neighbours complained about a foul smell in Bulla on Sunday.

Police are now trying to find a new home for another 22 horses suffering from malnutrition.

Early on Monday police said they had arrested a 63-year-old Bulla man who was being questioned. He was later charged with 92 counts of animal cruelty and criminal damage offences, and was expected to face Broadmeadows magistrates court later on Monday.

Horse lovers from a nearby riding club took to social media on Sunday night to vent their anger at such “disgusting animal cruelty”.

“Poor things must have suffered so much to be left to die like that,” one posted.

Others criticised the RSPCA, claiming they were made aware of sick and underweight horses at the property more than a month ago.

Those found guilty of causing death by neglect in Victoria could face up to two years imprisonment, a $74,620 fine and be banned from owning any animal for at least 10 years.

On Friday RSPCA officers in WA rescued more than 20 malnourished horses from a failed riding school about 22km north of Perth.

