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Queensland Pet Store Owner Fined $40,000 for Animal Neglect and Abuse

A Queensland pet store owner, Nicole Louise Bourne, has been fined $40,000 for her appalling treatment of hundreds of animals. This incident unfolded in 2020 when the RSPCA seized more than 500 animals from her pet store located on Hodgson Street in Toowoomba. While many charges against her were discontinued during legal negotiations, Ms. Bourne recently pleaded guilty to 39 offenses in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court, avoiding a six-day trial that was scheduled to begin.

Prosecutor Liza Marshall revealed that Ms. Bourne’s pet store had been a subject of concern for several years, with more than 250 complaints filed against it. RSPCA inspectors have been attempting to educate and provide advice to the 46-year-old owner since 2014. When inspectors finally raided the business in May 2020, they found that all 546 animals seized had animal welfare concerns.

Marshall highlighted the shocking conditions in the pet store during the 2020 raid, with kittens suffering from significant behavioral issues and numerous sick or dead fish discovered. Hundreds of sick and stressed birds were living in overcrowded and unhygienic conditions, and a dead finch was even found in a water bowl. The store was also plagued by a significant amount of mouse and cockroach feces. Beyond the pet store, during a search of a family property near Toowoomba in June 2020, inspectors discovered eight cats living in “appalling and squalid conditions.” These cats were being used for breeding purposes, and Ms. Bourne displayed a callous disregard for their welfare.

Prosecutor Marshall pointed out that Ms. Bourne challenged every animal welfare direction issued by the RSPCA. Despite being given significant education and assistance over the years, she continued to neglect the animals in her care.

Defense lawyer Jen Streit argued that Ms. Bourne had made changes, employing five staff members at her pet store and ceasing to breed animals. Additionally, a psychologist’s letter was submitted, asserting Ms. Bourne’s passionate dedication to animal care and claiming that the RSPCA’s investigation had deeply affected her.

However, during sentencing, Magistrate Kay Philipson expressed her disappointment in Ms. Bourne’s lack of insight and disregard for the welfare of the animals. The psychologist’s letter was rejected as Magistrate Philipson found it extremely concerning that Ms. Bourne appeared to lack insight into the ongoing nature of the offenses.

Magistrate Philipson also reserved her decision on an RSPCA application for a prohibition order, which would limit the number of animals Ms. Bourne could keep in her store. She noted that it was astounding that it took 14 years before action was finally taken against Ms. Bourne, despite the numerous complaints lodged against her. In the end, Ms. Bourne was fined $40,000 and given a two-year probation order. However, no conviction was recorded.

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