Man on charges of cruelty to children and animals

Cairns Child Protection and Investigation Unit Det Sen-Sgt Mick Gooiker said the unit launched an investigation about a month ago, after a tipoff.

“Concerns were raised about living conditions and care of children as a result of investigations conducted in relation to those concerns,” he said.

“It is alleged the condition of the house was extremely poor and the children were not being adequately cared for.”

The 35-year-old man, who cannot be identified, was arrested by detectives on Thursday.

He is facing seven charges, including three counts of cruelty to children, two counts of breach duty of care of animal and one count each of keeping a protected animal and failure to dispose of a syringe. The man is due to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on March 3.

It is understood the children did not require hospital treatment, but were allegedly significantly malnourished.

The wallaby is believed to be under the care of a local vet.

Far North RSPCA Insp Kimberly Laverty described the dogs’ condition as poor and desperately underweight.

The smaller female dog weighed just 16.5kg when bought in, while the male was 20.5kg.

“They are in an awful condition and being cared for at the Cairns shelter,” she said.

“We thank the police for saving the dogs at the property.”

Police have not detailed how long the alleged neglect had been occurring.