By XAVIER SMERDON
THE discovery of the body of a dog that was dumped in Werribee wetlands with apparent stab wounds has shocked Wyndham’s Mayor.
A male Staffordshire terrier, which was brindle and white in colour and about 18 months of age, was discovered by Wyndham Council’s legislative services officers on the morning of Thursday 14 March in the Heathdale Glen Orden Wetlands, near Wyndham Park Primary School in Kookaburra Avenue.
Councillor Heather Marcus said she was disgusted to hear of the dog’s injuries and urged anyone with information to come forward.
“This dog appears to have been stabbed and then dumped at some stage during the previous night. Not only is this a horrific and illegal thing to do to the animal, it also showed little to no regard for the children that would come across it on their walk to school the next day,” Cr Marcus said.
“The council is seeking to identify the owner of the dog, but we also want to find out what happened to the dog and to find those responsible for its horrific injuries and to prevent something like this from happening again.”
Cr Marcus said anyone missing a dog that matched the description of the one found should contact the council.
“Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, a person found guilty of the death or disability of an animal can face a maximum fine of $59,000 or two years imprisonment. Previous cases of cruelty to animals reported to the council include a man being convicted of the disablement of a dog fined just under $10,000 and banned from owning animals for eight years,” she said.
“The message to the community is clear. Animal cruelty or violence against animals will not be tolerated.”
Anyone with information should phone Wyndham Council’s legislative services department on 9742 0777 or email mail@wyndham.vic.gov.au
