By ALESHA CAPONE
A MAN charged with theft and trespassing has been refused bail at Sunshine Magistrates’ Court, after a pet dog was stolen from a Taylors Lakes house last month.
The 31-year-old Coburg man’s application for bail was refused last week and he has been remanded in custody for a future hearing.
The Farrugia family of Taylors Lakes launched a social media campaign to help find their female blue Staffordshire named Jazz, after she was stolen on 8 July.
The 10-month-old canine was in the family’s backyard when it is claimed a man jumped over the fence and grabbed Jazz, throwing her over the fence and fleeing the scene.
A neighbour’s CCTV cameras filmed the theft and the footage was passed onto Keilor Downs Police Station.
Pat Farrugia said he was “overjoyed” when Jazz was returned home, after she was gone for more than a week.
In an unrelated case, a 14-month-old Siberian husky was found four days after she was stolen from a Melton West home last month.
The female dog was found with a cable around her neck and injuries including bite marks.
In an e-mail, the husky’s owner, who asked for her name to be withheld, said police told her they suspected dog thieves had been travelling the area to steal pets for use as ’bait’ in illegal dog fights.
Liliana Iuri, from the Pet Neighbourhood Watch – Action Group in Brimbank, said unconfirmed rumours have been circling about pets being stolen and being used as bait.
“The proof, however, is when sadly some pets are found dead with bites marks to their body,” she said.
RSPCA Victoria senior inspector Daniel Bode said dog fighting was illegal.
“Despite some speculation in the community, RSPCA Victoria is not aware of any instances where dog have been stolen for the purposes of organised dog fighting,” he said.
“Despite this, some dog fighting rings do exist in Australia.
“These are often associated with gambling activities and other illegal practices such as drug dealing and firearms.”
Anyone who suspects their dog has been stolen should contact police.
