AUSTRALIA -- A man who allegedly beat a puppy to death is due to appear in court today.
The Wilson man has been charged by the RSPCA with one count of animal cruelty.
It will be alleged the 22-year-old was cruel to a young female shih tzu dog, named "Cookie".
Witnesses within the dwelling where the accused was staying have said they heard a dog barking at 1am on March 3 and attempted to comfort the animal and then returned to their respective rooms.
The dog began barking again and the accused was allegedly heard yelling at the dog and not long after, several thumping sounds were heard followed by yelping noises.
A witness went to investigate and the accused allegedly said the dog had bitten him.
The witness said the dog appeared to be frightened and hid under a witness' bed.
The dog was returned to its cage by a witness and a few minutes later further thumping noises and yelps were allegedly heard, only louder than before.
This allegedly continued for a further 10 to 15 minutes and then everything went quiet.
Witnesses have described how they went to have a look at the animal and it was lying motionless on a bed in its cage not breathing properly.
The dog's eyes were red and blood could be seen.
Witness said the man claimed he had given the dog a pill but the following morning it was dead.
It will be further alleged that about 2pm on March 3 the man sent a mobile phone message to one of the witnesses stating that he had killed the dog.
The man was spoken to by an RSPCA inspector on March 5, who said the accused stated the animal had a needle stuck in its throat.
The accused also claimed he took the dog to a vet but the RSPCA enquired with the vet and there were no records of the dog attending the veterinary clinic.
The man is expected to appear in Perth Magistrates Court.
(margaretrivermail.com.au - Nov 8, 2012)
