Suspected dog baiting, Mackay

Police are investigating after a dog owner received a number of threatening letters before his beloved pets were located deceased in Mackay on Saturday.

The residents of a home in Wheeler Drive, Glenella recently received two letters which were hand delivered in their mail box while they were away.

The letters were abusive and threatening in nature and linked to the barking of two dogs which resided at the home – two Jack Russell terriers, a girl named “Jackie” and a boy called “Lucky”.

Between 5pm and 8.40pm on September 21, the residents returned home from an outing and discovered Jackie in an agitated state.

She died within 15 minutes and Lucky was located the following day in the yard, also deceased.

The animals have been seized and autopsies have been conducted to determine the cause of death.

Police have released CCTV showing a person delivering a document into a letter box at the address in Wheeler Drive, Glenella and would appeal for anyone who may recognise them to come forward.

Anyone with any further information related to the suspected baiting of the dogs or threats made to their owners is also urged to contact police.

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.

Investigations are ongoing with the assistance of the RSPCA.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.

Quote this reference number: QP1901847823.