The owner of a petting zoo and cafe, already notorious for employing a convicted paedophile, is now facing a new set of disturbing allegations.
Public protests recently erupted outside City Chicks in Samford after it was revealed owner Ingrid Dimock’s then-partner, Steve Harvey, was again working at the family-oriented venue.
City Chicks sells poultry to the public but also features activities for families, such as animal feeding.
Harvey’s criminal history includes an eight-year prison sentence for 15 offences – four committed against children.
A Current Affair confronted him last month after it was revealed he was still working at City Chicks’ cafe, despite Dimock claiming to have cut all ties with the paedophile.
The confrontation sparked a Queensland Police investigation, after Police Minister Dan Purdie said he would be seeking a “please explain” from the commissioner.
Harvey was subsequently charged with 13 fresh offences over allegations that he failed to comply with reporting obligations and provided false information.
While Dimock insisted she was unaware of Harvey’s past, new testimony suggested otherwise.
A former inmate and convicted rapist who served time with Harvey claims he personally warned Dimock about her partner’s history in November 2023. He alleged Dimock responded by stating that “everyone deserves a second chance”.
Dimock declined to answer detailed questions sent by email about her alleged prior knowledge.
Harvey worked alongside teenagers at City Chicks, making Dimock’s decision to employ him even more infuriating for the local community.
Martha, whose daughter worked a trial shift at the cafe, said the girl was unknowingly placed in direct contact with a sex offender.
“She felt uncomfortable when she interacted with Steve and decided not to come back,” Martha said. “If someone touched my kids, I would never forgive them.”
Dimock has now been hit with new allegations of animal abuse.
Negative reviews have reportedly been scrubbed from the cafe’s online listing, including one that said: “A dog grabbed, chased and bit chickens in front of the kids. Awful experience.”
A Current Affair was also given a disturbing video showing at least five dead or dying chickens in the boot of a City Chicks vehicle, with registration matching the car that Dimock still drives.
The man who filmed the video in February 2024 in a car park at Newmarket Shopping Centre immediately lodged a cruelty complaint with the RSPCA.
But the animal welfare charity did not investigate the video, instead referring the matter to the Department of Primary Industries, claiming the agency was “responsible for investigating animal welfare complaints relating to petting zoos”.
A department spokesperson confirmed it received a complaint about distressed chicks in the back of a car, and that “a vet assessed the footage”.
“The investigation found that the owner of the chicks had failed to ensure appropriate handling of the animals, including transportation, under the Animal Care and Protection Act (2001),” they said.
“The investigating officer then advised the owner that they had failed to ensure appropriate handling conditions for the animals, and cautioned them of their responsibilities under the Act.”
The spokesperson said it often achieved “better and faster outcomes through education and compliance action”.
“No further enforcement orders were made, and the department has not received any further complaints,” they added.
When approached in person, and later via email, Dimock ignored questions regarding the animal abuse allegations and her role in Harvey’s employment.
Fellow Samford cafe owner Paul Wilkinson said the community remained red hot with anger.
“I think Ingrid should be investigated for the role she’s played in all this,” he said.
Queensland Police have not confirmed whether they are investigating Dimock’s involvement in Harvey’s employment, citing privacy restrictions.
Meanwhile, Harvey, formerly known as Steve McMillan, is yet to enter a plea over his fresh charges.
He briefly appeared at Pine Rivers Magistrates Court on Monday, with his lawyers seeking a brief of evidence. The matter was adjourned until April 27.
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Dan Nolan is a senior reporter at A Current Affair in Queensland.
