Authorities are reminding pet owners to remain vigilant following several dog baiting incidents across Mount Isa since Christmas, Queensland Police say.
Representatives from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Mount Isa City Council, Queensland Police Service and Queensland Health met on 9 January 2018 and developed a multi-agency response to tackle the issue.
Acting Officer in Charge of Mount Isa Police Station, Senior Sergeant Neil King said there had been a number of deceased dogs reported and authorities were united when it came to animal cruelty.
"Anyone caught baiting animals with the intention to harm will not be treated lightly and can possibly face a term of imprisonment if found guilty in court," Senior Sergeant King said.
"We are urging the community to be on the lookout and report anything unusual or suspicious to Policelink on 131 444 or Mount Isa Police Station on 4744 1111."
The incidents are currently under investigation.
Under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001, a deliberate act of cruelty carries a maximum of three years’ imprisonment or a $252,300 fine.
It is also an offence to administer, or feed, a harmful substance, with the intention of killing an animal.
The maximum penalty for an individual convicted of these offences is $37,845 or one-year imprisonment.
Anyone with information or evidence of baiting should contact the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries on 13 25 23 or the RSPCA Cruelty Complaints Hotline on 1300 264 625.
Left to right – Michelle Newman (Queensland Health), Shane Laffey (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Cloncurry), Charmaine Hartwig (Local Laws, Mount Isa City Council), Stephen Wagner and Mike Salmon (Compliance and Utility Services, Mount Isa City Council), Ellisa Davis (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Cloncurry), Russell Hunter (Rural Lands Officer, Mount Isa City Council) and Neil King (Queensland Police Service).
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.
You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers.
