Man faces cruelty charges over alleged dog attacks on wildlife

The 40-year-old is accused of committing 23 offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, including 8 cruelty and 6 aggravated cruelty acts, for allegedly causing the pain, suffering, and eventual death or serious disablement of eastern grey kangaroos, a common wombat, a sambar deer, and a cat, when he set his dogs on the wildlife and/or failed to intervene in the fight.

He also faces 2 charges under the Wildlife Act 1975 for illegally taking and possessing the remains of an eastern grey kangaroo.

Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers investigated after receiving information from RSPCA Victoria relating to allegations of wildlife cruelty.

Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 offenders face penalties up to $48,077 or 12 months in jail for animal cruelty and up to $96,155 or two years in jail for aggravated animal cruelty for each charge.

It is also illegal in Victoria to take or possess protected wildlife without an appropriate authorisation and carries a maximum penalty of $9,615 and/or 6 months in jail under the Wildlife Act 1975.

The man will appear before Wodonga Magistrates’ Court on 21 November 2023.

Anyone with information about wildlife crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000. Callers can remain anonymous.

Any act of animal cruelty is completely unacceptable, and the Conservation Regulator is committed to investigating and prosecuting offenders of wildlife crime.

We rely on public information to help us solve wildlife crime and urge anyone who has witnessed animal cruelty or suspicious behaviour to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria.