Paechtown trainer Anthony Thomas challenges alleged horse abuse video in Mount Barker court
What do Princess Kate and an SA animal cruelty case have in common? Plenty, according to the equestrian under the spotlight.
Police & Courts
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Equestrian Anthony Dean Thomas has compared his “caught on camera” animal cruelty case to Princess Kate’s altered Mother’s Day photo – and questioned whether the horse was hurt at all.
On Wednesday, the Mount Barker Magistrates Court heard Mr Thomas had expanded his challenge to a video allegedly showing him striking a horse with his helmet.
Jacob van Dissel, for Mr Thomas, said it was “extraordinary” the RSPCA had only provided its expert report, about the video’s authenticity, the day before the hearing.
“Their expert reportedly claims that any connection with the horse’s head would have caused undue harm … we question whether there was connection between horse and helmet,” he said.
“It’s also extraordinary that this 25-second video starts just as the alleged offence occurs and stops just after it finishes.
“There is also some suggestion the video has been ‘improved’ to make visibility easier … I’m reminded of a photo taken of the Princess of England, and it’s that sort of thing that needs to be explored.”
Mr Thomas, 49, of Paechtown, was charged with ill treatment of an animal after The Advertiser revealed he had been filmed repeatedly striking a horse with his helmet.
He subsequently apologised, was provisionally suspended by Equestrian Australia, then told the court he may challenge the authenticity of the video through expert evidence.
In 2024, a photo of Princess Kate made global headlines – and sparked health rumours – after it was pulled from publication over purported digital edits.
On Wednesday, Mr van Dissel said Mr Thomas would engage his own experts and subject the RSPCA’S experts to “significant cross-examination”.
He said defence experts should be given the mobile phone on which the footage was taken, not just copies of the video itself.
Simon Perry, for the RSPCA, apologised for the delay caused by the “arduous process” of authenticating the video, which he said was “part way there”.
He said more time was needed for further expert analysis and asked for a substantial adjournment to allow that to occur.
Magistrate Todd Grant excused Mr Thomas’ non-attendance, varied his bail to permit interstate travel, and adjourned the matter until July.
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