Tasmania Police are investigating an alleged incident of bestiality in Branxholm and have released a description of a man who may help with their investigation.
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A man was reportedly seen on CCTV cameras lifting a goat out of its enclosure before taking it into a bathroom stall on June 10 about 2am.
Reports suggest a cleaner uncovered the graphic scene the following day.
Scottsdale Police Sergeant Brent O'Mahony said police had spoken with the goat's owner after they made a formal complaint to police.
"Police would like to speak to a man seen in the area between approximately 2am-4am," Sergeant O'Mahony said.
"He is described as a tall male, wearing a beanie and a dark tracksuit."
The man was last seen walking towards the river.
A source told The Examiner the animal was under the care of a local vet and said the animal's owner was equally distressed as the goat.
A Tasmania Police spokesperson said no charges had been laid at this stage, however, the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information should contact police on 131 444 or report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au.
The maximum penalty under the Animal Welfare Act is 100 penalty units ($173 equals one penalty unit) and/or up to 12 months' jail, or up to 21 years' jail for bestiality under the Criminal Code.
RSPCA chief executive Jan Davis, said the matter was being handled by the police.
"The RSPCA believes everyone has a responsibility to treat animals with dignity, without cruelty or exploitation. In the words of politician and writer Joseph Addison (1672-1719), "true benevolence or compassion extends itself through the whole of existence and sympathizes with distress of every living creature capable of sensation."
"The seriousness of this type of offence has been recognised by recent changes in animal welfare laws in NSW.
"This new legislation saw an eight-fold increase in penalties for convicted animal abusers, making NSW animal cruelty laws the toughest in the country. Under these new laws, anyone convicted of serious animal cruelty or bestiality will automatically be subject to a mandatory, lifetime animal ban.
"We'd like to see similar penalties introduced under the Tasmanian Animal Welfare Act 1993," she said.
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Satria Dyer-Darmawan
Satria Dyer-Darmawan is a journalist for The Examiner and considers himself to be an all rounder. Originally from the Central Coast of NSW, Satria has worked in Alice Springs and North Queensland and isn't afraid to immerse himself in regional communities.
Satria Dyer-Darmawan is a journalist for The Examiner and considers himself to be an all rounder. Originally from the Central Coast of NSW, Satria has worked in Alice Springs and North Queensland and isn't afraid to immerse himself in regional communities.
