Ipswich woman Sarah Milford ordered to pay more than $7000 in vet and care costs for neglected pets

Four puppies were found to be underweight with their hips and ribs visible. Two cats were found emaciated with dental diseases

Sarah Milford leaves Ipswich Courthouse.

A WOMAN whose pet cats and dogs were found neglected and in poor condition by RSPCA inspectors has been ordered to pay vet and care costs of more than $7000.

The owner Sarah Milford was sentenced to an 18-month supervised probation order after she appeared for sentence in Ipswich Magistrates Court on three charges under the Animal Care and Protection Act.

Milford, 30, pleaded guilty in failing to provide adequate feed and water to animals in her care at Eastern Heights between July 20, 2020 and August 5, 2020; did not provide appropriate living conditions; and failed to provide medical treatment.

Sarah Milford was sentenced to an 18-month supervised probation order after she appeared for sentence in Ipswich Magistrates Court on three charges under the Animal Care and Protection Act.

In evidence put by RSPCA prosecutor Vanessa Lyons, the court heard the animals were living in a confined room, while other dogs were roaming free in the house with faeces and urine seen throughout the house.

An RSPCA inspector said two adult dogs, four puppies and two cats had been kept in a room at the back of the house.

Faeces were smeared on the floor and covering everything in the room and two cats named Bear, a Burmese, and Munchies were laying on a washing basket with no food or water available.

Milford told the inspector that she understood the living conditions were disgusting but she had tried to clean up.

The four puppies were found to be underweight with hips and ribs visible.

Bear and Munchies were taken to the RSPCA's veterinary hospital in Wacol.

Bear and Munchies.

Both were emaciated; Bear had mild dental disease, gum inflammation and conjunctivitis.

Munchies had dental disease, irritated eyes and conjunctivitis.

Both were fed and within weeks had gained weight.

They have since been adopted.

On April 6 an inspector checked her property and found two dogs named Aries, a Bull Arab, and Nala, Wolfhound, living in unclean conditions.

The court heard financial issues were behind the problem in her care of animals, in what had been a tumultuous period in her life.

Ms Lyons sought more than $7000 for veterinary and care costs, $750 in legal costs, and $103 in fees.

"I should have taken more responsibility and care," Milford told the court.

" Yes I accept it."

Magistrate Andy Cridland ordered Milford to pay the costs, which were sent to SPER for a payment plan.

He made a four year prohibition order that she can only acquire animals with the written agreement of the RSPCA.

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Originally published as Ipswich woman Sarah Milford ordered to pay more than $7000 in vet and care costs for neglected pets