More than 500 horses found mysteriously dead in Australia

The discovery of more than 500 dead horses from Wagga Wagga in rural Australia have prompted nationwide fury and a wide-ranging investigation by police with help from environmental protection and health authorities, AFP reported.

The horrifying discovery was made after neighbours complained of a ghastly smell coming from a property next-door.

According to local news sources, the place located just five hours outside of Sydney is reportedly an illegal knackery site.

After an initial investigation, horse remains were found at several sites across the property and they appear to have been dumped over a long period.

"Some of these carcasses were no more than skeletal remains while others were killed relatively recently", the Wagga Wagga City Council said in a statement.

Adding, the council said: "Numerous separate dumps of carcasses were discovered at locations throughout the property. It is estimated that there are in excess of 500 horse carcasses."

Several other agencies such as food authorities and the state horseracing body have been involved in the probe too.

"The matter remains a current investigation. No further comment will be made at this time," the council said.

It is unclear how long the potential illegal knackery had been going on for as the levels of decomposition among the carcasses were different.