Two men charged with firearm and animal cruelty offences – New England

Two men have been charged after two dogs were allegedly shot yesterday in the state’s west.

About 6.20pm yesterday (Saturday 3 November 2024), a 41-year-old man was at a property on Old Mill Road, Stannifer, when he got into a verbal argument with another man at the location.

It’s believed the two men are known to each other.

Following the argument, the man allegedly walked outside with a shotgun and discharged several rounds towards two dogs – killing one and injuring the other.

The man allegedly left the scene in a Toyota SUV before police arrived.

A crime scene was established, and investigations commenced.

About 6.50pm, officers attached to New England Police District located the vehicle at Elsmore Road, Elsmore.

The man underwent a roadside breath test which allegedly returned a positive result.

He was arrested and taken to Inverell Police Station.

The 41-year-old man was charged with common assault (DV), torture, beat etc and cause death of animal, handle/use firearm under the influence of alcohol/drug, possess unregistered firearm-prohibited firearm, not keep firearm safety-prohibited firearm, commit an act of cruelty upon an animal, and drive with middle range PCA.

He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court today (Sunday 3 November 2024).

About 7pm, a 67-year-old was seen leaving the property and stopped by police.

When officers approached the vehicle, they allegedly located a firearm.

The man was arrested and taken to Inverell Police Station and charged with possess unregistered firearm-not pistol/prohibited firearm.

He was granted conditional bail to appear before Inverell Local Court on Thursday 23 January 2025.

/Public Release. View in full here.