Threats hand delivered before Queensland dogs died
Two beloved family pets died within hours of each other after threatening letters were hand delivered to a Mackay home.
Autopsies were ordered for Jack Russell terriers“Jackie” and “Lucky” as police scoured CCTV footage to identify a man hand delivering letters to the family home.
According to police, the owner of the dogs "received a number of threatening letters before his beloved pets were located deceased in Mackay on Saturday".
"The letters were abusive and threatening in nature and linked to the barking of two dogs which resided at the home – two Jack Russell terriers, a girl named 'Jackie' and a boy called 'Lucky'," a police statement read.
"Between 5pm and 8.40pm on September 21, the residents returned home from an outing and discovered Jackie in an agitated state.
"She died within 15 minutes and Lucky was located the following day in the yard, also deceased."
A man was caught on CCTV delivering letters to the home on Wheeler Drive, Glenella, and police have appealed for anyone who may recognise the man to come forward.
"Anyone with any further information related to the suspected baiting of the dogs or threats made to their owners is also urged to contact police," the police statement read.
A deliberate act of animal cruelty carries a maximum of three years’ imprisonment or a $252,300 fine.
It is also an offence to administer or feed a harmful substance with the intention of killing an animal. The penalty is a $37,845 fine or one year's imprisonment.