Ipswich’s worst animal cruelty suburbs revealed

One Ipswich suburb has recorded a staggering number of animal cruelty cases — taking out the disappointing title of the worst in the state. See the suburb-by-suburb breakdown and those responsible for the heartbreaking crimes.

The RSPCA has released damming data which has exposed Ipswich as a hotspot for animal cruelty complaints.

A court heard the Ipswich woman Sarah Milford’s animals were living in a confined room, while other dogs were roaming free in the house with faeces and urine seen throughout the house.

RSPCA Queensland spokeswoman Emma Lagoon said Redbank Plains was the state’s second highest suburb after recording 140 animal welfare complaints last year.

“Unfortunately, Caboolture continues to lead the list with 193 animal welfare complaints, an 8 per cent increase (and) Morayfield follows with 140 along with Redbank Plains, both continuing similar trends,” she said.

“While some suburbs have seen a reduction in cruelty complaints compared to last year, there is still more work to be done.

“This year we will increase our focus on supporting communities in complaint hotspot suburbs.

“Through community outreach programs, we aim to address the root causes of animal welfare issues through education and support with primary pet care needs and services.”

The following suburbs are flagged are Ipswich’s animal cruelty hot spots:

Redbank Plains — 140 complaints

North Trivoli — 85

Carole Park — 80

Ebbw Vale — 55

Dinemore — 46

A number of residents fronted Ipswich court in 2021 and 2022 for shocking and heartbreaking animal cruelty crimes. Here are some of the shocking crimes heard by local courts:

Lisa Knudsen

Goodna woman Lisa Knudsen pleaded guilty to a shocking crime that resulted in the brutal death of her rottweiler Cujo.

The three-year-old rottweiler-cross died after he was left tightly chained in almost 30 degree heat with no water or shelter.

Knudsen, 44, pleaded guilty to failing to provide her dog water, failing to provide her dog appropriate living conditions/shelter, failing to provide appropriate treatment to a galah, and was sentenced to two years’ probation.

Cujo was chained to a tap on the side of the housing commission property tighter than usual by Knudsen’s partner because he had kept escaping.

Knudsen’s boyfriend and co-accursed Barry Bond will have his case heard at trial in May.

No conviction was recorded.

Sarah Milford

Eastern Heights woman Sarah Milford faced court after her cats and dogs were found neglected and in poor condition.

An Ipswich court heard four puppies were underweight with their hips and ribs visible and two cats were found emaciated with dental diseases.

In May 2021, the 30-year-old pleaded guilty to failing to provide adequate feed and water to animals in her care, not providing appropriate living conditions, and failing to provide medical treatment.

Milford was sentenced to an 18-month supervised probation order and ordered to pay $7000 in vet bills.

Patricia Arnold

Bundamba woman Patricia Arnold’s horses were found living in terrible conditions with significant injuries.

Some horses had eye infections, a foal had a broken shoulder, and another horse was found lying in muddy urine and faeces, with her coat covered in mud.

The 63-year-old horse trainer and breeder pleaded guilty to failing to provide appropriate living conditions and failing to provide medical treatment for an animal in her care.

Arnold was sentenced to a two-year probation order.

No conviction was recorded.

Kylie Michelle Karner and Dayle Gosley

Petting farm business owners Kylie Michelle Karner and Dayle Gosley fronted Ipswich Magistrates Court where they pleaded guilty to 41 animal neglect charges.

RSPCA inspectors seized the pair’s animals from the ‘3 Ponies Petting Farm’ and spent $28,000 on medical treatment.

The pair committed the crimes years ago and as of 2021 and were still looking after animals and operating their business.

Investigators found many animals in poor condition and living with the remains of dead animals.

Karner, 40, and Gosley, 44, were sentenced to two years’ probation and no conviction was recorded.

Sindy Rose Hall

One Mile woman Sindy Rose Hall failed to care for her rottweiler resulting in the animal’s death.

The dog Sassie had an untreated leg injury that led to her foot rotting and the limb becoming maggot-infested.

In May 2021, the 52-year-old pleaded guilty to failing to treat an animal in her care with the required medical help under the Animal Care and Protection Act.

Hall was sentenced to a three-year prohibition order regarding animals in her care and ordered to pay $750 in vet bills.

If you see an animal welfare concern, call RSPCA Queensland on 1300 264 625 or email [e-mail]