Geelong West incident calls for greater animal cruelty education

A social media clip involving a dog has sparked a debate over whether the owner’s act constitutes animal cruelty. SEE THE VIDEO

A local MP says the region’s rate of animal cruelty needs to be addressed following a “disturbing” video of a dog in Geelong West.

Animal Justice MP Andy Meddick has responded to a video sent to the Geelong Advertiser where a dog is seen to be tied to the wheel of a parked vehicle on Shannon Ave, with the incident taking place on Wednesday July 6.

The video shows what appears to be a Jack Russell Terrior tied to the rim of a Subaru vehicle parked nearby the Coles supermarket’s loading dock.

“The footage of a dog tied to a car in Geelong is disturbing and reiterates why it is so important the government does more to educate Victorians on responsible companion animal care,” Mr Meddick said.

“Geelong has one of the highest rates of animal cruelty across the state – but it is not usually intentional or aggravated.

“Our high rates of cruelty are through neglect and lack of understanding of how to care for our pets.”

In the film the dog appears to be tied on the roadside of the vehicle.

The person filming the video can be heard saying “only in Geelong would you see this type of sh*t.”

“This f**king dog is literally tied to the rim of this car, who f**king does this?”

The man said he uploaded the video to his TikTok account to try and spread awareness, but said no report had been filed with RSPCA as of last Thursday.

The Geelong Addy was unable to reach him for an interview.

Mr Meddick said issues of neglect or non aggravated cruelty could be easily combated through education programs at schools and in the workplace.

“With more Victorians taking on a pet than ever before, it is important we act now before the problem worsens,” he said.

A dog tied to a car in Geelong West. Picture: TikTok

“As always, if anyone witnesses animal cruelty or neglect across Geelong – it is important to report it to authorities as soon as possible.”

The RSPCA was unable to comment on whether the incident was considered illegal as a cruelty report was not lodged.

In Victoria there is a code of practice for the tethering of animals, with tethering defined as “the securing of an animal to an anchor point to confine it to a desired area.”

While often used to prevent animals straying in the owner’s absence, it is regarded a temporary method of restraint.

In order to comply with the code the animal must be inspected regularly and must not be tethered near a road and the proximity to people and vehicles should not cause the animal to take fright.

The code says, “tethers should not allow the animal to stand within two body lengths of a road.”

Originally published as Geelong West incident calls for greater animal cruelty education