Stuart Knowles dogs were seized from him in 2015 by animal welfare officers
Shocking images reveal tick-infested dogs, some with maggot-ridden wounds, seized from the Territory’s “most powerful” person. Find out who. WARNING: Disturbing content
Northern Territory
Don't miss out on the headlines from Northern Territory. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Territory’s “most powerful” man had four of his dogs seized by animal welfare officers after they were discovered with serious tick infestations and other health problems in late 2015.
Interim Territory Coordinator Stuart Knowles, was the owner of the four dogs, with the discovery prompting an animal abuse investigation.
The report compiled by the Animal Welfare Branch of the NT government notes the extent of the animals’ injuries that led to the four mixed breed dogs being seized from Mr Knowles Darwin River property on December 8, 2015.
Images taken as part of the investigation reveal the horrifying reality of the injuries, including maggots infesting the tick wounds.
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries has confirmed the investigation had taken place.
They said Mr Knowles was issued a warning notice.
At the time of the seizure, Mr Knowles said he was “working extended hours on a project”.
In a statement provided to the NT News, Mr Knowles claimed time away for this project led to the health problems.
“The extended periods away from my home led to unintended neglect of my rural property, which, compounded by the Top End’s wet season conditions, resulted in a serious tick infestation affecting my dogs,” Mr Knowles said.
“Upon discovering the issue, I promptly began treating the dogs and engaged a professional pest controller to address the tick infestation on the property.
“The dogs were temporarily removed from the property for tick removal treatment and later returned.
“Following further pest remedial treatment at the property, animal welfare officers did a final visit to the property the next month to sight the dogs and confirm they were in good condition and concluded the investigation.
“I co-operated fully with their inquiries and directions, covered the costs of additional treatments to eradicate the ticks, and ensured the dogs were cared for.
“I deeply regret the incident and I immediately took steps to ensure it was not repeated.”
An animal welfare officer involved in the investigation, who asked to be anonymous, described the case as “disgraceful”.
“The pictures speak for themselves — you can’t just say I was away for a bit and that happened,” he said.
“It was serious animal neglect — the animals were clearly suffering.”
Mr Knowles has since become the interim Territory Coordinator — a government position so influential the NT News placed him number one on our most powerful Territorians list.
Opposition leader Selena Uibo questioned Mr Knowles’ suitability for this contentious position.
“The revelations involving interim Territory Coordinator Stuart Knowles are extremely disturbing,” Ms Uibo said.
“If Mr Knowles isn’t able to care for his own animals, how can Territorians trust him to care for the future of the Territory?”
More Coverage
Originally published as Stuart Knowles dogs were seized from him in 2015 by animal welfare officers
Coalition promises ‘clear minimum standards’ for telcos in rural Australia
Telcos will have to follow ‘clear minimum standards’ in rural Australia – if a coalition government is elected. Find out more.
Territory ruck named among top 2025 AFL Draft prospects
A Territorian has been named among the top AFL Draft prospects for 2025 after a successful junior career both in the Territory and interstate. Find out how he’s doing.