Protester charged over kicking dog at construction rally

A man has been charged over kicking a dog during a violent construction rally in Melbourne after the RSPCA was “flooded” with animal cruelty reports.

A protester accused of kicking a dog at a wild construction rally has been tracked down and charged.

RSPCA Victoria has charged a 41-year-old man with animal cruelty following an extensive investigation.

If found guilty, the man faces up to a year in prison or a fine of more than $45,000.

Disturbing footage showed the man lunge at another man before kicking the leashed dog at the protest on Elizabeth St on September 20.

He was then surrounded by an angry mob and even shoved one person who confronted him.

RSPCA Victoria’s chief inspector Michael Stagg said the animal welfare organisation was flooded with reports about the incident.

“Many concerned Victorians reported the incident both to Victoria Police and to RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate, which is authorised to enforce Victoria’s animal cruelty legislation,” Mr Stagg said.

“Every incident of animal cruelty is serious, and the Victorian public are the RSPCA’s eyes and ears when it comes to these matters.

“We encourage anyone with information about any animal cruelty matters to provide that information to the RSPCA. All matters reported by the public will be investigated swiftly and we are committed to holding offenders to account.”

The investigation was conducted by RSPCA Victoria and Victoria Police.