A teenager has been charged with animal cruelty after four sheep died and two others were seriously injured in an incident at a rural property in Canberra’s south.
The 17-year-old boy and two men, aged 18 and 27, allegedly broke into a property near the Monaro Hwy in Tuggeranong on September 16.
Police allege the trio rounded up eight sheep and locked them inside a holding pen before deliberately injuring them.
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One sheep died at the scene, while three others had to be euthanised due to the severity of their injuries.
Two more suffered serious injuries.
Police said a home on the property was also broken into and ransacked, leaving significant damage and disruption inside.
Following an investigation, police identified three alleged offenders, who have since been charged.
Items allegedly linked to the offences were seized from the Richardson property. Credit: ACT Police Items allegedly linked to the offences were seized from the Richardson property. Credit: ACT Police The 17-year-old was arrested in Chisholm on Saturday.
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He has been charged with four counts of joint commission aggravated cruelty to an animal causing death, two counts of joint commission aggravated cruelty to an animal causing serious injury, and one count each of aggravated burglary, attempted aggravated burglary, participating in a criminal group and driving offences.
The teenager faced the ACT Children’s Court on Monday.
The 27-year-old man has been charged with multiple offences, including four counts of aggravated animal cruelty causing death, two counts of aggravated animal cruelty causing serious injury and aggravated burglary.
The 18-year-old Richardson man faces similar animal cruelty charges, as well as aggravated burglary with intent to damage property, possession of a prohibited firearm and trafficking a trafficable quantity of cannabis.
He also faces multiple motor vehicle and driving charges.