RSPCA seeks extradition of mid-north puppy farmer who fled to New Zealand

A puppy farmer at the centre of one of the longest-running animal welfare cases in South Australia could face extradition from New Zealand, as the RSPCA seeks to finalise its prosecution. 

In recent years, Dora Ryan has been found guilty of more than 30 animal neglect charges.

The first case resulted from an RSPCA investigation into the welfare of the animals Ryan kept on a property at Baroota, near Port Pirie, in May 2017. 

Inspectors found 75 dogs, including puppies, 45 horses, seven sheep and 25 chickens on the property.

They seized 27 of the worst-affected Pomeranians and German shepherds, which were found living in squalid enclosures covered in dog faeces, urine and piles of rotten bones. 

The four German shepherds that were seized had chronic health problems and significant mobility issues.

RSPCA South Australia chief inspector Andrea Lewis said one was in such a poor state that it had to be euthanased by a vet at the property, while the other three were put down later. 

“The other three came into care but their prognosis was so poor that it was kinder for us to euthanase them, unfortunately,” she said. 

Ryan was found guilty of 27 counts of ill treatment of an animal. 

She represented herself during the trial and challenged every aspect of the prosecution’s case. 

In May 2019, RSPCA inspectors seized five emaciated horses from Ryan’s property, and another Pomeranian.

During a hearing in the Port Pirie Magistrates Court in November last year, Ryan was found guilty of six counts of ill treatment of an animal. 

One of the horses, a 17-year-old thoroughbred mare, was described in a veterinary report as being 140kg underweight. 

The RSPCA reported that she collapsed soon after being taken into foster care and died four days later from chronic malnourishment.

The other four horses were rehabilitated back to full health. 

The Pomeranian was suffering from multiple health issues and had to be euthanased. 

Fears animals could be at risk in NZ

Ms Lewis said when Ryan failed to appear for a sentencing hearing in March, the RSPCA made enquiries about her whereabouts and discovered she had fled to New Zealand. 

She said investigators were looking into the legalities of extraditing her back to Australia. 

“We have done a lot of hard work on this case, and a lot of animals have suffered over a long period of time,” she said. 

“So, we are disappointed that she’s decided to flee the country rather than stay and accept the punishment she was due.” 

Ms Lewis said she had been in contact with the SPCA (Royal New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). 

“I’m pretty confident she will take up the activities again because it is one of the only ways she knows how to make money,” she said.

“It shows her blatant disregard for animal cruelty laws and for the welfare of her animals.

“It’s nice that we have been able to stop her breeding in this country. We will be trying to help our counterparts in New Zealand with any information we can provide that will help them try and stop her over there.” 

Ryan has failed to appear at her last four court hearings and a warrant remains active for her arrest should she return to Australia.