A 58-year-old man and a 64-year-old woman from Croydon South were convicted of two charges of animal cruelty in separate hearings at the Ringwood Magistrates Court on 26 February and 17 April 2025.

RSPCA Victoria Inspectors attended a property near Lake Eppalock after receiving an animal cruelty report and found the burial site of a Border Collie dog in nearby bushland.

Witnesses reported seeing the man striking the dog with a metal pipe-like object and saw the animal’s apparently lifeless body when he was asked to stop.

The man was later seen carrying the dog’s body into nearby bushland when further striking noises were heard before he returned without the animal and carrying a broken shovel.

The veterinarian’s report found the animal had suffered ‘extreme pain’ before its death.

“The dog would have been in extreme pain at the time of the injuries… [the injuries] would have required a high impact trauma,” the report said.

“The pattern of fractures associated with acute haemorrhage, without skin lesions, suggests they are most likely caused by … blunt force injuries.”

When RSPCA Inspectors interviewed the man, he stated the dog had developed a tumour and had been unwell over the past six months but had not provided any veterinary care.

The woman denied the dog had showed signs of pain or discomfort in the months prior to the offence.

The relevant offences are covered under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986. Anyone found guilty of similar cruelty offences can face fines of up to $98,795.00 or two years imprisonment.

Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals is urged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria at rspcavic.org/who-to-call or by calling 03 9224 2222.