Australia: Samantha Braendler, 42, and Kirsty Drowley, 40, get 2 years probation after hoarding 90 animals inside filthy home

AUSTRALIA -- Two women have been fined and banned from owning or acquiring an animal for three years after being convicted of keeping dozens of animals in horrific conditions.

Samantha Braendler, 42, and Kirsty Drowley, 40, “hoarded” up to 90 animals, including some that were pregnant, in their Elizabeth Downs house, in Adelaide’s north.

They had kept dogs, birds, cats, galahs, guinea pigs, chickens, rabbits and even a snake in cages in most of their rooms amid squalid conditions that including rubbish and feces.

Pictures released by the RSPCA show rooms fill of dirty cages and areas where the pets were housed.

The women, who were unrepresented, were convicted in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court last week, where they each pleaded guilty to ill-treating an animal on June 3 this year.

But they avoided jail after each entering into a two-year, $500, good-behavior bond. They were also fined $8500 and other costs.

Magistrate Derek Sprod also banned them from owning, or acquiring pets for at least three years.

The rulings came after negotiations with the RSPCA.

In a statement outside court, RSPCA prosecutor Ronan O’Brien said the animals were found in horrific conditions.

“These animals were living in hoarding-like conditions, with cages in most rooms of the house, with animal feces spread throughout the house and backyard,” he said.

“When the animals were seized … (it) put a huge strain on our Lonsdale shelter with such a large amount of animals entering our care at once.”

He said while up to 90 animals were seized, some were pregnant, which meant the numbers increased to 116.

He said due to RSPCA efforts almost all of the animals have since been adopted to loving owners and “just four remaining rabbits … are patiently waiting for new homes”.

He said the case was a warning to pet owners about desexing (spaying and neutering).

“The case serves as a reminder why desexing your pets is vital. Breeding can soon mean you have more animals than you can care for appropriately,” he said.

“If you are a pet owner and are struggling to care for animals in your care you should seek an alternative and more appropriate home for them.

“You can always surrender them to a rescue group such as RSPCA or Animal Welfare League.”

Neither woman was available for comment outside court.

(The Advertiser - Dec 27, 2016)