Adelaide pair jailed for abusing animals

An Adelaide couple have been jailed after they abused more than 100 animals, including birds, alpacas, llamas and rabbits.

RSPCA South Australia visited the home of John Leslie Carter, 68, and Karen Maxwell, 64, in October 2017 following reports of animal cruelty.

They discovered several rabbits with no access to food or water, some stacked on top of each other, in small cages laden with faeces.

During a follow-up visit, they found alpacas, llamas, poultry and aviary birds, parrots and more rabbits with no water.

Eight alpacas and two llamas in an "emaciated" condition were found in a vineyard, while live birds were caged next to decomposing carcases.

A total of 136 animals were taken from the property into the care of the RSPCA, with most rehomed after they recovered.

Magistrate Ian White on Friday jailed Maxwell for six months in jail, ordering that one month be served immediately and the remainder be suspended on a good behaviour bond.

Similarly, Carter was sentenced to 120 days imprisonment but will also only serve one month immediately.

The pair, who both pleaded guilty to ill-treating animals, have been permanently banned from owning animals.