Police were opposing bail in the district court for a man facing charges including animal cruelty, resisting police and escaping custody.
As the bail hearing got under way, a police prosecutor became concerned about the dog at the centre of the animal cruelty charge which, it was alleged, the defendant had used to manipulate the victim.
In response to police questioning, the defendant told the court the dog had been left alone where he had been staying.
Police moved quickly. Within 40 minutes of getting to the address, officers had found the little dog, which had been on his own for two days.
He was taken to the police station temporarily and officers updated the judge straight away.
The dog was alert and in good spirits. He was placed in the care of the SPCA, which was already aware of the situation.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dan Overend said family harm does not just affect people – pets are often deliberately targeted as part of the abuse.
"We do see situations where pets are used as a means of control, including being withheld, threatened or deliberately neglected to manipulate victims, That’s why services like Pet Refuge play such an important role. They can provide safe, temporary care for pets so people don’t have to choose between their own safety and their animals.”
