Couple sentenced to good behavior bonds for neglecting over 100 pets

A man and woman in South Australia have been sentenced to good behavior bonds after pleading guilty to charges of mistreating more than 100 animals. Dylan Joseph John Thomas, 26, and Paige Danni Turner, 22, kept cats, a dog, chickens, and over 120 other birds at their Mount Gambier home in deplorable conditions.

RSPCA inspectors visited the property in January of last year following reports of animal cruelty. They discovered the animals lacked fresh water, and feces had accumulated for about a month. The dog, named Daisy, was found in poor physical condition. Despite initial Animal Welfare Notices, conditions did not improve substantially over the following month, leading to further notices.

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We deal with a lot of cases like this where people willingly get animals far beyond their means.

In March, the RSPCA seized the dog, two cats, nine chickens, and 124 birds due to ongoing unsatisfactory conditions. RSPCA South Australia inspector Stuart Thomas commented on the frequency of such cases, stating, "We deal with a lot of cases like this where people willingly get animals far beyond their means." He added, "It was completely unreasonable for them to have that number of animals."

The court heard that Ms. Turner had been involved in a serious accident in July 2024, resulting in multiple fractures and hip dislocation, which still impacts her mobility and causes pain. Mr. Thomas, who acquired Daisy as a support animal after being a victim of assault in 2021, is Ms. Turner's full-time carer. The defense argued that while they had asked a friend to check on the animals, they felt it inappropriate to ask for assistance with cleaning enclosures. The court also noted that Mr. Thomas's uncle had moved into the property and added more animals, raising concerns about potential unintentional reoffending.

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It was completely unreasonable for them to have that number of animals.