Brutally bashed Mackay dog seized by RSPCA following disturbing video assists in identifying man

A man filmed brutally bashing a dog in Mackay has been identified and the dog has been taken into care. WARNING DISTRESSING CONTENT

A MAN filmed brutally bashing a dog in Mackay has been identified and the dog has been taken into care.

Mackay RSPCA Inspector Rebecca Neilsen, 43, said the five-year-old bull arab cross, named Jaboo, was seized from a North Mackay home about 10am today.

“He’s sitting with me now, in my office,” she said.

“He’s had lunch and is eating well.

“He’s very relaxed in my air conditioning and he’s very happy.”

Sickening footage shows dog being bashed in ‘random’ attack

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On Wednesday RSPCA Queensland sought public assistance in finding the offender by releasing a video that showed a man calling a dog to him then forcing the cowering animal to the ground before punching it numerous times.

A woman nearby was seen walking away with the man.

Jaboo, believed to be a five-year-old bull arab cross, was seized by the RSPCA after he was identified as a dog being pinned to the ground and bashed by a man in Mackay. Photo: RSPCA Queensland.

RSPCA Queensland have released a statement thanking members of the public who phoned through with information about the attack.

More than 500,000 people expressed their disgust on various social media channels in the hours after the video was posted.

Inspector Neilsen said Jaboo had been examined by a vet and other than having heartworm, so far seemed healthy.

“He does have heartworm but there are no other complications that are apparent at this point,” she said.

She could not comment on whether or not the dog belonged to the man seen in the video.

A screenshot of a video captured by CCTV of a man punching a dog multiple times in Mackay. The video was released by the RSPCA in hopes of finding the man. Photo: RSPCA/Facebook.

A release posted to the RSPCA social media pages stated the footage in the disturbing film was captured by a closed circuit television camera attached to a home in the area.

“Nobody was watching this incident as it occurred,” it says.

RSPCA Queensland spokesman Michael Beatty told the Mackay Daily Mercury on Wednesday that people needed to remember to be careful as to what they say on social media and to let legal proceedings take their course.

“We remind those who openly posted information on social media about the person’s possible identity that there can be serious consequences for these actions,” he said.

“The last thing we want is more violence to occur.”

Mr Beatty said the man would likely be charged with one count of animal cruelty under the Animal Care and Protection Act.

He said the attack, which happened about 4.40pm on Green Street on February 13, was “disturbing” and appeared to be random.

“It’s a totally premeditated, very drawn out attack on the animal,” he said.

“It’s these types of animal cruelty cases that ring warning bells because research show that animal cruelty of this kind can be linked to other violence towards humans.”

A screenshot of a video captured by CCTV of a man punching a dog multiple times in Mackay. The video was released by the RSPCA in hopes of finding the man. Photo: RSPCA/Facebook.

The RSPCA statement also called for people to contact their local politicians to call for tougher animal cruelty punishments.

“RSPCA Qld (sic) will always advocate for appropriate sentience for animal cruelty, but we can all play a part in ensuring that animal cruelty offences are taken seriously and that offenders do not escape punishment because of information posted on social media,” it states.

“To ask for tougher animal cruelty sentences handed down in court, contact your local MP.”

Jaboo would remain in the care of the RSPCA pending any criminal charges against the man seen in the footage.

If anyone has information about the attack, ring the RSPCA on 1300 264 625.