Sheona Rose-Anne Clara Garland in Maroochydore court for taking neighbour’s pets

A Sunshine Coast mother and animal lover got herself in trouble with the police after she took matters into her own hands and ‘rescued’ two of her neighbour’s pets.

A Maroochydore mum-of-two and animal lover who took two pets she thought were being mistreated from her neighbour’s house has found herself in trouble with the law.

Sheona Rose-Anne Clara Garland, now 32, was fined a total of $1150 in Maroochydore Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to possessing a weapon and entering a premises and committing an indictable offence.

The court was told Garland heard her neighbour’s short-haired cat meowing and Jack Russell dog barking for three days while her neighbour was away.

Police prosecutor David Hoffman said the victim told police Garland had texted to say she had broken into the townhouse and removed the animals as she believed the victim was neglecting them.

The victim said Garland entered through a back sliding door that was secured but not locked between November 30 and December 6, 2021.

When questioned by police, Garland said she had contacted the RSPCA on December 4 as she feared the animals were being neglected and had no food or water.

She admitted to police that she had entered the unit to retrieve the pets.

While police were at Garland’s house they saw a can of pepper spray on the bench which she was charged for.

Defence solicitor Chantelle Allen said her client had been living at the complex for over three years and had previously looked after her neighbour’s pets.

“She did become concerned for the welfare of the animals … she did contact the complainant prior to collecting the animals,” Ms Allen said.

“My client acted in a way that she believed was protective in respect of the animals and had good intentions but accepts that her behaviour was serious and unacceptable and she is remorseful for that.”

Ms Allen said there were no allegations that anything was stolen or damaged at the property.

The court heard Garland had a criminal history including a burglary charge, suffered from an intellectual impairment, was pregnant with her second child and was currently engaging with the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

“She’s actively looking for work and hopes to involve herself with something to do with animals in the future,” Ms Allen said.

Garland was convicted but Magistrate Rod Madsen did not record them against her.