WARNING – DISTRESSING CONTENT: A bushwalker south of Sydney has made a disturbing discovery in what police believe is an act of animal cruelty that’s cost an Australian bulldog its life.
Police in Wollongong, NSW, allege a kennel was launched from a cliff early Sunday morning at Mount Ousley. The dog was tragically inside.
The kennel was discovered upside down at the base of the cliff by the walker at about 8.30am. The man was alerted to the dog after he heard yelping from inside the kennel.
Emergency services were called with Police Rescue and SES crews joining rescue efforts to retrieve the kennel.
Crews successfully retrieved the dog house however the badly injured animal was taken to a nearby vet who determined its condition and injuries were too severe and it was put down.
The kennel has been seized and is undergoing a forensic examination amid a joint investigation by NSW Police and RSCPA NSW.
In NSW, anyone found guilty of aggravated animal cruelty, an act which results in the death or serious injury of an animal, can face two years’ imprisonment. Abandoning an animal is also punishable with six months’ imprisonment.
Sharing the incident to social media, NSW Police triggered a wave of anger online with users describing the allegations as “horrendous” and “disgusting”.
Investigators are appealing for anyone who witnessed suspicious activity in the area, or anyone with a dash cam that drove through the area and might have footage that can assist, to contact local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via its online portal.
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