Shane Smythe accused of breaking into Robinvale dog pound to rescue pets from hefty fine

A man allegedly broke into the local pound in an attempt to free his two dogs, Bruce and Coco. Now he’s in court.

Shane Smythe is accused of breaking in to the Robinvale pound to set his two dogs free. Picture: File

A Robinvale man allegedly broke into the local pound in an attempt to liberate his two dogs, Bruce and Coco, a court has heard.

Shane Smythe, 39, appeared before Koori Court at Mildura Law Court this week, facing multiple charges including aggravated burglary and theft.

The court heard Mr Smythe and his co-accused were living together in February with wolfhound-cross bull Arab Bruce and German short-haired pointer Coco when the pooches roamed into the grounds of Robinvale College.

After an animal control officer corralled the dogs and took them to the Robinvale Pound. Upon learning they would need to pay $600 to have the dogs microchipped, Mr Smythe and his co-accused allegedly devised a plan to bust the pets out of lock-up.

According to police, Mr Smythe and his co-accused arrived at the pound late on the Saturday night following the dogs’ impoundment, armed with bolt cutters, a 14-inch wrench, a tap-and-die handle and a red claw hammer.

The pair allegedly scaled the barbed wire fence and smashed their way into the pound through the glass front door, freeing the dogs.

In their haste, Mr Smythe allegedly left his tools and his co-accused left behind a pair of beige slippers for police to find the following day.

Police subsequently discovered the pooches at Mr Smythe’s, where he was arrested.

In addition to this alleged offence, Mr Smythe faces a series of other charges to which he entered a guilty plea.

Mr Smythe is scheduled to reappear for a guilty plea hearing on December 19 at Mildura Magistrates’ Court.