A morning commute along one of the Gold Coast’s busiest corridors has led to an animal cruelty charge after disturbing footage allegedly showed a dog being mistreated in full view of passing traffic.
The incident occurred on Hooker Blvd at Broadbeach about 9.15am on April 30.
Video captured by motorists allegedly shows the man handling and dragging the dog roughly as it struggles alongside him on the roadside, appearing visibly distressed near passing traffic.
The footage quickly spread across social media, triggering widespread public concern and calls for action.
On Monday afternoon, police confirmed a 41-year-old Broadbeach Waters man had been charged with animal cruelty following investigations. The dog has since been placed into the care of the RSPCA.
According to the Facebook group Australians Against Animal Abuse, the man was later seen leaving the area and heading towards Broadbeach.
“This individual has been seen allegedly pulling/choking, kicking and lifting this dog off the ground by the leash. He is also seen in the footage kneeling on the dog’s neck to beat the dog,” the group said.
“Footage also shows this individual continually pulling hard/yanking the dog along the road. The dog is clearly seen in the footage cowering with severe fear.”
The incident has triggered a strong reaction across community pages, with thousands of comments and shares as residents attempt to identify the man involved.
Dani Quattromani, who was among the first to raise the alarm, said she was “blown away” by the public response on social media.
Posting on Facebook, she said she had heard community members had come together and that an animal rescue group had reportedly passed the man’s name to police.
“I’m really hoping he’s found and, more importantly, that the dog is safe,” Ms Quattromani said. “Thank you all for caring and for being a voice for animals who don’t have one.”
She also thanked the woman who “was brave enough” to record and confront the man.
“You did the best you could and thanks to you everyone who is onto bringing this baby into safety,” Ms Quattromani said.
The man is due to appear before the Southport Magistrates Court on May 18.
