In a sickening act of cruelty that has shocked even hardened animal welfare officers, two young puppies were found dumped in Queensland bushland, their mouths and paws tightly bound with tape.
The defenceless pups, believed to be just four to five months old, were discovered in the bush off Robin Street in Chuwar, Ipswich, over the weekend. A passer-by stumbled upon the horrific scene and immediately alerted authorities.
One of the terrified dogs was rescued on Saturday by RSPCA inspectors, who returned the next day with the first pup in the hope it would coax the second out of hiding – a heartbreaking tactic that worked.
But the horror didn’t end there. Investigators discovered black tape on all four of the puppies’ paws, strongly suggesting they had been deliberately restrained, rendering them utterly helpless before being dumped like trash in the wilderness.
RSPCA Queensland Chief Inspector Sheree Nitkiewicz didn’t hold back, calling the case “one of the most disturbing” she had ever seen.
“These puppies were left defenceless and in a condition that could have easily led to prolonged suffering or death if they had not been found in time,” she said. “The actions inflicted on these puppies are utterly unacceptable, appear to have been done with clear intent, and we are determined to identify those responsible.”
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t an accident. This was calculated, cruel and criminal.
Animal cruelty of this kind is punishable by up to three years in prison or fines of more than $320,000. For more severe cases, the maximum penalty rises to seven years behind bars, and it’s hard to imagine what could be more severe than this.
What makes it all the more infuriating is that help was always available. Shelters. Rescue groups. Vet clinics. There are safe, humane options for people who can’t care for their animals. Instead, someone chose to tape up two puppies and dump them to die.
“Abandonment is never the answer,” Nitkiewicz added.
And she’s right. Whoever did this didn’t just break the law, they betrayed the most basic standards of decency.
Thankfully, the puppies are now safe and receiving care, but their physical wounds may pale in comparison to the trauma they’ve suffered. As for justice, that’s where the public comes in. The RSPCA is pleading for anyone with information to come forward. If you saw anything suspicious around Robin Street in Chuwar, or if you know someone who recently had two puppies they no longer do, say something. Don’t let these pups suffer in silence.
Information can be reported anonymously via the RSPCA Hotline on 1300 ANIMAL (264 625) or online at rspcaqld.org.au.
Let’s find the person responsible. And let’s make sure they face the full force of the law.
Images: RSPCA
