Appeal after dogs dumped on landfill 

12 May 2009

The RSPCA is investigating the discovery of the remains of two dogs, found dumped in white bags at the Rockingham landfill site on the public holiday Monday, 27th April, 2009.

The RSPCA was alerted to the discovery the following day by the City of Rockingham Ranger Services.

The dogs were a brown Whippet/Italian Greyhound, and a brindle Staffordshire bull terrier.

The Whippet has a clean circular wound to its rib cage – potentially an entry wound - and a second similar wound close to its spine – potentially an exit wound.

The Staffordshire bull terrier was tightly bound with gaffer tape around its neck, muzzle and forepaws.

Witnesses have told the RSPCA, the bags were dropped at the landfill site by a man driving an older model white Holden Rodeo utility, with a white canopy and a silver or white luggage pod.

The RSPCA has been told the driver had a large build, with multiple tattoos and appeared to be either high or drunk.

Attention seemed to have been focused on this man because of his erratic behavior. The witnesses said he tried to divert attention away from what he was doing, by telling them something was happening on the other side of the landfill.

A vehicle similar to that described by witnesses was captured driving into the landfill site by a City of Rockingham CCTV camera. The CCTV footage shows the ute arriving at the tip at 12.35pm on Monday, 27th April.

RSPCA spokesperson Richard Barry is appealing to the public to look at the images of the vehicle, coupled with the breed of the dogs and the description of the man seen driving the ute.

“This combination of two breeds of dogs is quite unusual,” said Mr Barry. “If anyone knows of a large, tattooed man, who drives a white ute and owned dogs of this description, we need to hear from you immediately.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crimestoppers or the RSPCA directly on 9209 9316.

Alternatively they can make a complaint at: http://www.rspcawa.asn.au/cruelty.html