Hunt enters fifth day as Police step up efforts to locate alleged Port Douglas dog abuse offender
SEARCH
Cairns and Port Douglas officers continue to run a combined search for a man that was allegedly viewed multiple times in person and on camera strangling and beating a defenceless dog in different parts of Port Douglas last week.
One of the highly disturbing, distressing and very confronting incidents of the alleged dog abuse took place near Port Douglas Hotel on Davidson St around 4.40pm in which multiple witnesses saw the man strangling and dragging the dog.
The events left the Douglas Shire and wider Far North community in shock with several residents taking part in their own searches around Port Douglas either by foot, or cars in a bid to locate the man in the hours following the incident last Wednesday afternoon.
Since then, there have been several, unconfirmed sightings of the alleged perpetrator, particularly in the Trinity Park vicinity of Cairns, but these encounters remain unconfirmed.
“Police are investigating reports of an animal cruelty incident in Port Douglas on Wednesday, May 8,” a Cairns Police spokesperson told Newsport just moments ago.
“A man was observed by multiple people harming a dog throughout the CBD.
“Investigations are continuing, anyone with information or further vision, or witnessed the incident is urged to contact police.”
Port Douglas Police also appealed for public assistance to identify the alleged offender just days ago on Newsport.
“I thank the numerous members of the community who have called the station to make a report about concern for the dog’s safety,” a Port Douglas spokesperson told Newsport.
“We are aware of this alleged incident and every effort is being made to locate the potential offender.
“If any member of the public knows the likely whereabouts of this individual there are urged to contact Port Douglas Police station or Crimestoppers.”
The ongoing welfare and current health of the dog still remains unclear.
Support public interest journalism
Help us to continue covering local stories that matter. Please consider supporting below.