Both Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Magarite Higham, the dog hoarding couple who were convicted of 11 counts of cruelty in SA, and 123 counts in NSW, are now in custody following a nation wide manhunt.
The couple did not appear in court to hear they had been found guilty on all 11 counts in early May, and police and RSPCA had been searching for them since. RSPCA inspectors were extremely keen to track the couple down, so a public media appeal was put out. The response from the public was phenonemenal. The Society received hundreds of calls from throughout the country.
Late last week Mrs.Higham was found on a remote property near Casterton. Police arrested her, and she is now awaiting sentencing in Mount Gambier. She had around 100 dogs in her possession, a clear violation of both Adelaide, and Tamworth court orders. Magistrate Cathy Deland restricted the couple to possessing two dogs, as a part of a bail condition, in Dec 2007. In August 2005, in Tamworth court, the couple were handed down a suspended sentence pending a period of 5 years good behaviour. Bond conditions included the Highams (known as the Halls and Economos’ in NSW) only possessing five microchipped and desexed dogs.
Mr Higham was found at an Adelaide Backpackers on the weekend. A bedside hearing was held yesterday, however he is also yet to be sentenced.
The fate of the dogs at the Casterton site is yet to be determined, however it seems many of them have mistreated, and some will almost definitely have to be put down. Further charges, for the mistreatment of these dogs are yet to be laid.
May 20th, 2008
It’s just around the corner now.. SO get those walking shoes cleaned up, get your dog groomed so they’re ‘tressed’ to impress, and get ready for a day of fantastic fun (hopefully in some sun) THIS SUNDAY at Elder Park from 10am!
We already have over 3,000 entries, so a big thank you to all those who have entered so far! It goes to show how many people want to help our worthy cause AND have a great time while they’re at it! So if you’re not one of them… here’s how you can get in on the action!
It’s definitely not to late to register … you can pop in to our HQ at 172 Morphett St. Adelaide and fill out an entry form, then and there, and grab all your passes etc., or of course, you can register on the day!
Whether you’re young, old, with dog, or without… if you love animals and want to help a great cause, then we want you!
Everything is going to be bigger and better in ‘08, with more pooches, more people and more action packed into the day that ever before! If you have always said ‘I’d love to support the RSPCA’ now is your chance, and you can have some fun AND get some exercise in while you’re at it!!
You’re sure to be smiling all day - starting at 10am with the walk around the scenic Torrens. If someone in the household is getting a bit long in the tooth, don’t fret, there’s a short, leisurely option. Whether it’s you or your dog that’s seen better days, there’s a 2km option, with a 5km walk for those with a little more morning zest!
After you’ve walked up an appetite, there’s lots of yummy treats for you and your fluff ball. From a variety of vegan options to more meaty treats to savoury and sweets, everyone’s covered.
Once you have refueled, it’s time for some action! There are a stack of activities and competitions for hounds and humans, live music, stalls stacked with awesome merchandise and treats, as well as the National Flyball Championships to get seriously addicted to…if you love dogs, you will LOVE watching flyball.
And of course the most fun thing to do…gawk at all the dogs… from the teeny Chihuahuas to the massive Great Danes to the malitpoos, labradoodles, puggles, ruggles, beagles and beagliers… it’s a dog enthusiasts haven!
Of course…there’s HEAPS to do.. but lets not forget the most important thing –why we’re doing it!
While you’re at the Walk, having a gawk…look at ALL the dogs there.. that amount will be very close to the amount we save at the RSPCA, SA year in, year out… not to mention all the cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, horses, birdlife, wildlife and livestock.
By going to the Million Paws Walk, you’re helping them all…now that should be the only reason you need to get your walking shoes on!
May 2nd, 2008