Angeline Ivkovic and Michael James Doody: Western Downs pair face Dalby Magistrates Court on 148 animal welfare charges

One of the alleged offenders said the animal protection organisation had brought “vexatious” charges against them, after they confiscated their dogs during an investigation.

IN COURT: Michael James Doody and Angeline Ivkovic faced Dalby Magistrates Court on July 22. Picture: Michaela Glen

A Tara pair charged with a total 148 animal cruelty related offences have sensationally claimed in court the RSPCA were being “cruel” to their dogs while in their facilities.

Angeline Ivkovic and Michael James Doody faced Dalby Magistrates Court on Tuesday, each accused of committing dozens of animal welfare offences against dogs.

Ms Ivkovic’s 74 charges included 36 counts of failing to take reasonable steps to provide for the animal’s needs for displaying normal patterns of behaviour in a way that is appropriate, and 32 counts of failing to provide appropriate accommodation or living conditions.

Mr Doody was charged with 74 similar offences, including 31 charges of failing to provide appropriate accommodation or living conditions, failing to provide food and water, and failing to comply with compulsory code requirement for the breeding of dogs.

RSPCA prosecutor Vanessa Lyons appeared by phone, and said their office would require eight weeks to prepare the brief of evidence for the defence.

Dalby Magistrates Court. Picture: File

Ms Ivkovic addressed the court and claimed the animal welfare organisation had engaged in “misconduct”, had sent an “extortion email” which detailed costs of the investigation, and the statement of facts.

Ms Ivkovic went as far to say it was “cruel” for her dogs to stay in a RSPCA facility for a further eight weeks, and declared the charges were “extremely vexatious”.

Ms Lyons said the bill received was provided to Ms Ivkovic about the ongoing costs which were accruing due to the case, along with the statement of facts.

Magistrate Kerrie O’Callaghan said the matters raised by Ms Ivkovic couldn’t be dealt with by the court at this stage.

She then adjourned the matter to September 28.