Charges of puppy-stealing dropped against Darryl Robert Wilkinson

Criminal charges against a Christies Beach father accused of stealing seven puppies have been dropped, with the man saying he was instead saving the young dogs.

All seven pitbull-cross puppies were eventually recovered. Picture: SA Police

A Christies Beach father who was accused of stealing seven pitbull-cross puppies has had all charges dropped against him.

Darryl Robert Wilkinson appeared in the Christies Beach Magistrates Court where two charges of serious criminal trespass and dishonestly taking property without consent were dropped on Thursday.

Darryl Robert Wilkinson outside Christies Beach Magistrates Court. Picture: Emily Jarvis

Mr Wilkinson first appeared in court in May after he was accused of entering a Morphett Vale home between April 12 and 15, 2022, and making off with the puppies.

Police had alleged just after midnight the following day, a search was conducted of Mr Wilkinson’s Christies Beach address, where they found two of the litter safe and well.

A third puppy was later handed in to the local police station.

The remaining four puppies were also later returned to their owner following a public appeal by police.

Outside court, Mr Wilkinson had previously told the media he was “saving the puppies” and was critical of the way that the puppies were being cared for.

He denied any intention to sell them.

They (the puppies) were going off for three days,” Mr Wilkinson said.

“I was just trying to do right by the dogs … I saved them as far as I am concerned.

“I’m no superhero … I would do it all again tomorrow.”