Dog poisoned by tainted meat thrown in yard - Williamstown, VIC

Thursday, Jun 30, 2005

A cruel criminal has killed a dog in a suburban street, leaving pet owners living in fear.
Police say they are hunting someone with a depraved mindset and have found no motive for the Williamstown attacks. It is believed the perpetrator threw poisoned meat into back yards of houses in Oakbank St from a laneway.

A black poodle, refused to take the bait and was beaten to death last July 2005. "That indicates a pretty depraved mindset, to be able to kill a dog in that manner. I think that speaks volumes for the type of person that we are dealing with," said Sen-Det Mark Glenister, of Altona North police.

Dog owners in the street expressed disbelief. "I come home and the first thing I do is check out the back for bait," said one man. Another resident, who works from home, said she now left her dog inside when she was out. "It's just unimaginable that someone could do something like that," she said. "I find it a worry for the whole neighbourhood, and I would even if I didn't have a dog," said the owner of three-year-old terrier Freya.

Sen-Det Glenister said there was no clear motive for the attacks: "None of them apparently were real barkers or anything like that." He urged dog owners to be vigilant, "but it's hard to protect your dog if someone's going to throw baited meat into your yard".

The maximum penalty for aggravated cruelty to animals is 12 months' jail or a $12,000 fine, though in this case the perpetrator could also face other charges.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

If you have information on this case, please contact:
Crime Stoppers
1800 333 000

References

• The Herald Sun - January 14, 2006

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