A passing motorist made a shocking discovery near the Hume Highway on-ramp at Raby Road in Liverpool, when they pulled over to check on a dog that appeared to have been hit by a car.
Upon closer inspection, they were horrified to realise that they were looking at the pelt of a Cavalier King Charles spaniel, which had been skinned.
The Animal Welfare League NSW (AWL) Veterinary team have examined the pelt, and confirmed that it had been removed by hand, and was not a case of roadkill.
There was a small hole in the forehead that appeared to be from either a bolt gun or sharp instrument indicating that the dog had likely been killed before skinned.
“We are baffled about the origins of the pelt and can only speculate on the reason for this shocking cruelty case,” says AWL Chief Inspector Ian Hughes.
“The pelt was removed in a manner that indicates they had done this before. Part of the pelt had been cut off so the possibility of it being used for taxidermy is unlikely.”
“It could be the work of a disturbed individual or it could be linked to an underground market for dog meat - we simply don’t know at this time,” says Inspector Hughes says.
If the case is related to dog meat, most people would be surprised to learn that it’s not illegal to eat dog and cat meat in NSW, Australia.
However, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, there are strict guidelines around the euthanasia of domestic animals.
Aggravated cruelty towards an animal currently has a maximum penalty of up to $22,000, two years imprisonment, or both.
AWL Inspectors are calling for the public to provide information about a disturbing case of cruelty, involving the skinning of the pet dog.
