Pair baulk at plea Homeless couple on neglect charges offer up horses

A HOMELESS couple have been charged by the RSPCA for the alleged neglect of their horses.

Anthony John Smith and Tania Smith appeared in the Townsville Magistrates Court charged over incidents relating to October 28 and November 27 last year.

The couple faced eight charges including fail to provide appropriate food and water and fail to provide appropriate treatment for injury.

Solicitor acting on behalf of the RSPCA Zoe Navarro told the court Mr and Ms Smith had been presented with the statement of facts on February 10.

When magistrate Ken Taylor asked Mr Smith if the couple had entered a plea, Mr Smith told the court the couple wanted to offer up the horses.

“Um, no, we would like to change something. We would like to surrender (the horses) to the RSPCA,” he said.

“We just had nowhere for them and we can’t afford them with our kids.”

After Mr Smith’s admission, Mr Taylor asked Ms Navarro if she would like to talk to the defendants outside.

Ms Navarro instructed she would talk to the defendants following court.

The court heard the case had been adjourned for some time and it was the fourth time it had been mentioned.

After Mr Taylor bulk arraigned Mr and Ms Smith, he asked the couple how they would like to plead.

Ms Smith was reluctant to indicate a plea.

“It is a hard one because I don’t mind copping the fine or whatever it is but (the horses) were in the care of someone else while we were homeless,” she said.

“We were told at the time they would be taken care of and unbeknown to us this is what happens.”

Mr Taylor explained that he was unable to take Ms Smith’s explanation as a plea and suggested the couple seek legal advice.

“I have to adjourn these matters ... maybe if you can come to an agreement I think that will be to everybody’s satisfaction,” he said.

The next mention is set for September 14.