Secrecy surrounds RSPCA report into caged Toombul security dog

The RSPCA has refused to reveal if it has issued fines or will take court action after a photo of a caged security dog at the flood-wrecked Toombul shopping centre went viral last month.

The RSPCA has refused to reveal if it has issued fines or will take court action after a photo of a caged security dog at the flood-wrecked Toombul shopping centre went viral last month.

It comes as developer Mirvac, which owns the northside centre that was closed after the 2022 flood, vowed to further ramp up security to stop “urban explorers’’ trespassing before the building was demolished.

Mirvac warned they faced legal or police action.

Local resident Kelly, who did not want her last name used, last month posted a photo of a “bitzer’’ in a cage so small the dog could not turn around or stand up.

She told Quest Newspapers she heard it howling and saw it force open the cage door and drag the cage, which was tied to its lead, while four security contractors watched.

Multiple residents contacted the RSPCA about the incident, which prompted Mirvac to order its contractors to stop using dogs on site.

Local resident Kelly took this photo of a Mirvac security contractor's dog in a tiny cage on site last month.

“Our RSPCA inspectors conducted an investigation and that investigation has now concluded,’’ a spokeswoman for the organisation said in a statement.

“It would be inappropriate to disclose anything further.’’

She did not elaborate on why it was inappropriate to confirm if it had issued fines, planned court action, or if no action had been taken and if so why not.

A Mirvac spokeswoman said last month that site safety was of “utmost importance at Toombul, with demolition now substantially under way and the building no longer structurally sound’’.

“The security team confirmed cages are used to transport security dogs to and from the site, which is for the safety of the dog and handler.

“Transport is undertaken for the shortest practicable time.

“Security dogs are deployed under a strict animal welfare code of practice.

“The health and safety of working animals is of the utmost importance to our security contractor and ourselves and we are assured by our security contractor that safe handling practices are upheld at all times.’’

Local resident captures a group entering the Toombul shopping centre. Picture: Lang Sherpa

In its latest community update, Mirvac also confirmed it was pressing ahead with tighter security measures to counter trespassers who have been breaking in to get a last look at the building.

Demolition work began about a month ago and was expected to be finished late this year or in early 2025.

“In response to breaches of the active demolition site, we conducted a security audit and instructed our principle contractor and its security company to increase measures such as installing additional cameras, lighting and signage, increasing the number of security guards, repairing fencing and utilising canines,’’ Mirvac’s community newsletter read.

Ongoing demolition at Toombul Shopping centre. Picture Lachie Millard

“Following feedback from the public on the handling of one of these dogs, the RSPCA conducted and finalised an investigation.

“Despite there being no action required from Mirvac, we have instructed our principal site contractor and its security provider to cease using security dogs on site for the duration of demolition.

“The safety of an active demolition site remains of the utmost importance.

“With the presence of hazardous materials in the building, which is no longer structurally sound, trespassers will risk legal action.

“We will continue to work closely with the local police on this matter.’’

Originally published as Secrecy surrounds RSPCA report into caged Toombul security dog