A 60-year-old Towong Shire man was found guilty of one count of animal cruelty at the Wodonga Magistrates Court on October 22nd, 2025.
RSPCA Victoria Inspectors attended a Mitta Mitta property after receiving a report concerning the welfare of a dog from a member of the public.
During the investigation Inspectors found video evidence showing a dog being subjected to mistreatment by its owner, including being struck with a golf club.
The video footage showed the man holding the dog and striking it four times with the golf club before dragging it into a utility vehicle and using the club to poke the trapped dog.
RSPCA Victoria Inspectors seized the dog under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (POCTA Act) and transported it to RSPCA Burwood East for a full veterinary examination.
It was found that the dog would have felt stressed and fearful in this situation in addition to the pain of being hit repeatedly.
“This dog would have suffered unnecessary pain and distress from the blunt force trauma he endured.” An RSPCA Victoria Veterinarian said.
In delivering the sentence, Magistrate Watkins ordered the man to pay $4000 to the RSPCA and $1500 to the court fund, with an order of good behaviour for two years.
Magistrate Watkins described the man’s actions as “horrifying”.
“I felt sick when I heard that summary, it was just horrifying to think a man could treat a dog that way,” His Honour said.
“Make no mistake, the community will be keeping an eye on you now and will be watching every time you are out with an animal.”
RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector, Michelle Green, said there is absolutely no excuse for the cruel abuse of animals.
“The dog involved in this case endured a frightening and distressing experience at the hands of its owner” Chief Inspector Green said.
“Beating an animal that is unable to escape is cruel and achieves nothing other than terrifying it. A dog is a very trusting and forgiving animal, to receive abuse from the person it relies on is appalling
“RSPCA Victoria will always hold perpetrators of animal cruelty to account – there is absolutely no excuse for these acts of cruelty, and we implore anyone who witnesses such acts to report them to us.”
The relevant offences fall under the POCTA Act, and anyone found guilty of cruelty offences can face fines of up to $50,877.50 or 12-months’ imprisonment.
Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals is urged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria at rspcavic.org/cruelty-report or by calling 03 9224 2222.
It’s estimated it will cost RSPCA Victoria more than $12.8m to operate the Inspectorate this financial year.
