A dog owner has been charged for allegedly making a false report of an animal cruelty incident in Newcastle.
On Sunday 5 October 2025, police were allegedly told that a rottweiler had been injured by a group of young people while tethered to a tree in Newcastle West on Friday 3 October 2025, and because of the assault, was euthanised by a vet due to the extent of her injuries.
Officers attached to Newcastle City Police District commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
While undertaking inquiries and an extensive review of CCTV, police will allege that the dog was not in the area on the date of the reported incident. It was also established that the dog had suffered a history of chronic hip and osteoarthritic pain prior to the reported incident, which informed the euthanasia of the dog.
About 2.40pm today (Friday 10 October 2025), detectives attended a home in Charlestown and spoke with the owner of the dog.
The 42-year-old man was issued a court attendance notice for false representation resulting in police investigation.
He is due to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 27 November 2025.
