Man Charged After Puppy Fatally Beaten Near Newcastle

newy.com.au – A man is set to appear in court today charged over the alleged fatal beating of a puppy near Newcastle on Sunday afternoon, 20 July 2025.

Police allege the 21-year-old man stopped his vehicle in a carpark on Maitland Road, Sandgate, around 4.20pm and removed a puppy from the car before violently assaulting it. Witnesses told officers the man allegedly slammed the dog against the side of the vehicle multiple times and threw it to the ground. The assault reportedly continued before the puppy was returned to the vehicle.

Officers from Newcastle City Police District began investigating the incident following the reports. Later that evening, about 9.05pm, Port Stephens-Hunter Police arrested the man at a home in Lemon Tree Passage. During the arrest, police seized several items including clothing, a car seat cover and a mobile phone, which are now being forensically examined.

Further inquiries led police to Porowei Way, Kooragang, where the deceased puppy was located. Authorities are seeking veterinary advice following an examination of the animal’s body.

The man was taken to Nelson Bay Police Station and charged with committing an act of aggravated cruelty upon an animal, and with torturing, beating or seriously injuring an animal. He was refused bail and is due to appear in Bail Division Court 2 today, Monday 21 July 2025.