RSPCA investigates a dog that was found dead in Bungundarra

**WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT** A Central Queensland family is grieving after their pet dog was found killed and “mutilated” on a nearby property on the Capricorn Coast. Full details here.

A Central Queensland family has been left feeling “deeply unnerved” as they deal with their grief after their pet dog was found killed and “mutilated” on a nearby property on the Capricorn Coast.

RSPCA inspectors were called out to investigate a dog that was found dead on acreage on Norpine Road, Bungundarra, close to Woodbury, on Wednesday, March 23.

RSPCA Queensland spokeswoman Emma Lagoon said the inspector was horrified by what he saw.

“It’s beyond upsetting,” Ms Lagoon said.

“You just can’t unsee this.

“I really feel for the dog’s owners, the property owner and our inspector.”

Ms Lagoon said the owner of the 12-year-old brindle staffy cross named Georgia noticed she was missing from her home on Tuesday afternoon.

She said Georgia was found on a property within 1km of her home.

Georgia was a 12-year-old brindle staffy cross. Picture: Contributed

“The property owner found Georgia after doing a search of his property once alerted that she had gone missing by her owners,” she said.

Ms Lagoon said the inspector took Georgia to a vet for an autopsy.

She said the cause of death was inconclusive, but that Georgia most likely died of shock, according to the examining vet.

“We’re absolutely disgusted that someone out there thinks it’s okay to remove the skin from someone’s pet,” she said.

The examining vet said the cause of death is inconclusive, but most likely that Georgia died of shock. Picture: Contributed

“The skinning was most likely done by someone who knew what they were doing with a knife.

“The vet says this was done post-mortem, but either way it’s sickening.

“What could they possibly gain from doing this?”

Georgia’s family said they were “deeply unnerved by the whole situation”.

“She was a much loved family member and no one should have to suffer the same way we have,” they said.

“We hope that bringing this awareness will protect others from the same grief we feel.”

Ms Lagoon said the inspector hadn’t seen anything like this occurring in the region before.

“There isn’t any suspicious activity that we’re aware of, but potentially if something like this has happened before, we hope it will prompt people to come forward with information,” she said.

Georgia’s family said, “We are deeply unnerved by the whole situation.” Picture: Contributed

“It’s certainly worrying.”

She said police were aware of the incident.

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said the attending officers had referred the matter to the RSPCA.

RSPCA inspectors responded to 16,331 animal welfare complaints in 2021.

Georgia before her death in March 2022. Picture: Contributed

Two suburbs in the Rockhampton region recorded more than 50 complaints.

The worst suburb in the region for reported cruelty to animals was Gracemere, which recorded 75 animal welfare complaints.

It was followed by Berserker which recorded 63 complaints.

Ms Lagoon warned pet owners in the Capricorn Coast and Rockhampton regions to keep their pets safe and secure on their properties.

“We’d hate for this to happen to another family’s pet,” she said.

“The person who has done this clearly lacks any form of empathy and is in the area.

“If anyone knows anything, come forward and let us know.”

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the RSPCA.