Marine Area Command investigators have charged a 49-year-old man with alleged animal cruelty offences after a dog - which was allegedly tied to a cement block - was found deceased underwater at Yowie Bay at the weekend.
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About noon on Saturday, October 9, police were called to Yowie Bay, after a dog was found deceased underwater by swimmers.
Botany Bay Water Police attended and located the two-year-old Belgian Malinois allegedly tied to a cement block.
With assistance from Police Divers, the dog was retrieved and taken to a local vet for examination.
An investigation was subsequently commenced into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Following extensive inquiries, Marine Area Command investigators, with assistance from Sutherland Shire Police Area Command and the Central Metropolitan Region Operations Support Group (OSG), executed a search warrant at Miranda about 6pm on Monday, October 11.
During the search, officers allegedly seized more than 117-grams of cannabis and other items relevant to the investigation.
The man was arrested and taken to Sutherland Police Station and charged with three offences including committing an act of aggravated cruelty upon an animal and possessing a prohibited drug.
The man was refused bail and is due to appear at Sutherland Local Court today.
In a statement, Animal Justice Party MP Emma Hurst said they will be watching the "case closely".
"If this man is found guilty, he could be facing up to five years jail time," she said.
"This is beyond horrifying. I cannot imagine the pain and suffering endured by this sentient being. Anyone who harms an animal in an aggressive act of cruelty is a danger to other animals and the wider community.
"Frighteningly, anyone who is found guilty of animal cruelty similar to this could still pass a Working with Children Check in NSW. Our laws must be updated to reflect the research showing that violence does not discriminate. There is a link between animal abuse and child abuse and we must change our laws to protect both children and animals from anyone who commits acts of abuse."
