The owner of a Northern hotel has publicly responded to allegations of animal cruelty at the venue on Saturday night. 

Star Bar proprietor Mick Acquarola posted a statement on the hotel's website on Sunday night, saying the incident had impacted on the wellbeing of his staff and family members. 

The response comes 24 hours after police responded to a call alleging mistreatment of an animal.

“I want all our customers to know we are very proud of our business and all of our staff,” the statement read. 

“We are like a family and there is no way at all, would anyone at my business, would want to harm or abuse any animals. 

“I hope people will see this for what it was, just a very sad unfortunate accident and for this we sincerely apologise.”

Star Bar management will continue to work with Tasmania Police and the RSPCA. 

The full statement can be read here. 

UPDATE 5pm: 

Tasmania Police said there is no evidence to suggest the duckling that was found dead at a Northern hotel on Saturday night was deliberately injured. 

Police attended a restaurant at 6.15pm in response to allegations of animal mistreatment. 

Anyone with information should contact the RSPCA cruelty hotline on 1300 139 947 or Tasmania Police on 131 444. 

EARLIER:

Police say early investigations into allegations of animal cruelty at a Northern hotel indicate there was not foul play. 

Allegations of a staff member decapitating a duckling have been circulating social media since Saturday night. 

Tasmania Police attended the restaurant on Saturday and believe the duckling’s death was an accident. 

“From what I can see it certainly wasn’t intentional,” a police officer said.

“They were trying to save it.” 

It is expected police will release a statement on Sunday afternoon. 

RSPCA Tasmania executive officer Peter West said they had received an email regarding the incident. 

“I don’t know anything specific about it, but I believe the police are involved,” he said. 

“It may be that we will work with the police on this investigation.” 

RSPCA Tasmania investigates 100 per cent of animal cruelty cases. 

“We certainly ask all people who experience issues of animal cruelty contact us via our animal cruelty hotline, which is staffed 24/7,” he said. 

Mr West said extra information is always welcomed by the RSPCA. 

To phone the animal cruelty hotline phone 1300 139 947. 

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