Boyup Brook Police have charged two men as part of an ongoing investigation into incidents of animal cruelty in the South West region.
The investigation focussed on information relating to dogs being used to kill animals that had been hunted or caught in traps. The investigation was conducted by WA Police Force with assistance from RSPCA WA and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Extensive enquiries were conducted by Boyup Brook Police in consultation with Bunbury Detectives. Further assistance was sought from Rural Crime Squad, and officers from Nannup, Bridgetown and Donnybrook to execute search warrants.
On Wednesday 7 October 2020 the search warrants were executed at residences in Boyup Brook and Mullalyup. Two men were arrested. The men are contractors employed by an organisation that receives partial state-government funding and engages various qualified contractors to support landholders to control pests.
It will be alleged the men allowed dogs under their control to attack and kill a pig in a manner which is unlawful. It will be further alleged the 52-year-old man allowed dogs under his control to attack and kill a fox.
A 52-year-old man from Boyup Brook has been charged with the following offences and is due to appear in the Manjimup Magistrates Court today, Thursday 22 October 2020:
– Animal Cruelty – causing an animal unnecessary harm (in relation to a pig)
– Being a person, who engaged in a prohibited activity (in relation to a fox)
– Fail to provide and use adequate storage facilities to ensure firearms or ammunition safety
A 48-year-old man from Mullalyup has been charged with the following offences and is due to appear in the Manjimup Magistrates Court today, Thursday 22 October 2020:
– Animal Cruelty – causing an animal unnecessary harm (in relation to a pig)
– Fail to provide and use adequate storage facilities to ensure firearms or ammunition safety
The investigation is ongoing.
