A 57-year-old man has been charged with animal cruelty after two dogs were discovered inside a bike locker at a rail station in Australia.
The New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) said in a statement that the guy was arrested after the two canines were discovered in poor health.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 4 p.m. local time, when police were summoned to Penrith train station, which is roughly 34 miles outside central Sydney, after reports of dogs barking inside a metal bike locker.
When police arrived, they got entrance to the locker with the assistance of Fire and Rescue NSW. Inside, they discovered two greyhound dogs, one of which was “already deceased.”
Police claimed they discovered a second one who was “suffering from extreme heatstroke.” The dog was taken to a nearby veterinarian, where it subsequently died.
After conducting an investigation into the event, police said they detained a 57-year-old male on Station Street in Penrith on Thursday, Nov. 20, about 9:30 a.m. Police did not explain how they were able to connect the incident with the suspect.
Although authorities could not identify him, Sandy Norrie was identified by the Western Weekender, a local news publication. It’s unclear if the dogs belonged to the man or someone else.
He was transported to St. Marys Police Station in Penrith and charged with ten counts of animal cruelty.
According to the NSWPF, the charges include two counts of recklessly beating and killing an animal, committing an act of aggravated cruelty upon an animal, confining an animal in a cage too small for exercise, committing an act of cruelty upon an animal, and being in charge of an animal while failing to exercise care.
He was denied bail and appeared in court on November 20. His next court appearance is set for Thursday, November 27.
This incident occurred while several Australian jurisdictions, including South Australia, enhanced punishments for animal cruelty violations. Those found guilty of animal mistreatment in South Australia may now face maximum fines of up to $250,000 and up to ten years in prison, according to Vet Practice Magazine. The former penalty was a $50,000 fine and four years in prison.
