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Man charged with animal cruelty for allegedly kicking dog at Melbourne construction rally

Melissa IariaNCA NewsWire
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Camera IconNot Supplied Credit: Supplied

A man who allegedly kicked a dog at last month’s violent construction rally in Melbourne has been charged.

The 41-year-old man has been charged with animal cruelty after an investigation by the RSPCA and Victoria Police.

The offence attracts a penalty of up to $45,435 or 12 months’ jail if convicted.

Video footage emerged of a dog allegedly being kicked during wild demonstrations outside the CFMEU Melbourne office in Elizabeth St on September 20.

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The footage shows two men in a tussle before one man allegedly lunges towards the other and kicks at his leashed dog.

Footage showing a dog being allegedly kicked at the CFMEU protests on September 20. Seven News via NCA NewsWire
Camera IconFootage showing a dog being allegedly kicked at the CFMEU protests on September 20. Seven News via NCA NewsWire Credit: Supplied

The RSPCA received multiple cruelty reports over the incident, resulting in the charge being laid.

RSPCA Victoria chief inspector Michael Stagg said the authority was flooded with complaints from concerned Victorians over the matter.

“Many concerned Victorians reported the incident both to Victoria Police and to RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate, which is authorised to enforce Victoria’s animal cruelty legislation,” he said.

“Every incident of animal cruelty is serious, and the Victorian public are the RSPCA’s eyes and ears when it comes to these matters,” he said.

“We encourage anyone with information about any animal cruelty matters to provide that information to the RSPCA.

“All matters reported by the public will be investigated swiftly and we are committed to holding offenders to account.”

Originally published as Man charged with animal cruelty for allegedly kicking dog at Melbourne construction rally

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