Gawler Belt woman Cheryl Evans faces court over animal cruelty charges of horse and kitten
A Gawler woman accused of allowing a 14-year-old horse to “suffer pain” before it had to be put down has faced court on animal cruelty charges.
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An ailing horse suffering from a “severe infection” and allegedly neglected by its Gawler Belt owner had to be put down, a court has heard.
Cheryl Evans appeared in the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with ill-treating a short-haired kitten named Dudley and a 14-year-old gelding named Regal Act between September 4 and 16, 2017, at her Parkers Road property.
The RSPCA alleged Evans “unreasonably and recklessly caused Regal Act unnecessary harm by refusing to accept veterinarian advice to humanely euthanise him” and she failed to take “reasonable steps to mitigate harm”.
“The horse was suffering from severe laminitis (inflammation inside the hoof) requiring urgent veterinary treatment”, a charge sheet read.
“The horse was allowed to suffer the pain of severe infection without the intervention of a veterinarian.”
For the RSPCA on Wednesday, Jillian Smith told the court Regal Act had to be put down.
Meanwhile, a trial date for the matter has now been delayed for the third time, after it was due to be heard on October 13 and 19 this year.
For Evans, Stephen Ey said it was a “complex matter” and the delay was partly due to Evans’ inability to maintain consistent legal representation.
“With all due respect … she has a difficult personality,” Mr Ey said.
“One that doesn’t … warm to people.
“And that may have lead in the past to a breakdown with (legal) practitioners.
“I will not be appearing (for Evans) in any trial.”
The court heard Evans would have to organise “expert advice” and make funding arrangements for a lawyer, expected to be through her husband’s super fund.
“I’m told the money is available,” Mr Ey said.
On Wednesday, Magistrate Briony Kennewell set a pre-trial conference for October 28.
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It is also alleged the kitten in Evans’ care was locked in a room that was covered in urine and faeces and had no ventilation.
Its tail was also covered in dried and matted faeces.
The kitten had not been treated for ear mites and a respiratory infection
At an earlier hearing on October 6, Magistrate Gary Gumpl said there had been “three attempts at getting this going” and he did not want to see any attempts to “trash the trial”.
“The court does not look favourably on stalling tactics,” Mr Gumpl said.
“You’ve had more than enough time to represent yourself.
“Things are moving, let’s keep them moving.”