Man allegedly beats dog before positive breath-test

ACT Policing has arrested a 33-year-old Kambah man after an alleged drink-driving incident at Acton today which ended with the man in the Regional Watch House and an injured dog at an animal shelter.

Around 12:55 pm today police received a report of a yellow Toyota Celica being driven in a dangerous manner in the Civic area.

The vehicle was located a short time later on Lady Denman Drive where the driver was seen to have exited his vehicle and to be repeatedly punching his dog.

The alleged offender then left the dog at the side of the road before climbing back into his vehicle and continuing to drive along Lady Denman Drive.

An ACT Traffic Operations member and General Duties patrol performed a traffic stop on the vehicle at Black Mountain Peninsula where the man returned a positive roadside breath test. He was conveyed to City Police Station where he subsequently returned a high range blood alcohol reading of 0.249, over 12 times the legal limit for a special driver.

The man will be charged with being a disqualified driver, being a special driver with a blood alcohol reading beyond the prescribed concentration, and deliberately causing an animal pain. He will appear in the ACT Magistrates Court on a date to be set.

The dog was picked up by an RSPCA inspector and conveyed to an animal shelter.

Any witnesses to the incident who have not yet spoken to police are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers website on www.act.crimestoppers.com.au.