A Yarraville business says it has been flooded with abusive calls and death threats after being criticised on social media over the condition of a guard dog on its premises.
A series of Facebook posts last week alleged a German shepherd kept at the warehouse was being “starved and neglected” by its owners.
One woman initiated a “rescue” attempt of the 18-year-old dog early on Thursday morning but posted on Facebook that she left feeling scared after being threatened.
“There is nothing wrong with the dog … this is just an old dog.”
The business’ general manager Jane de Sousa denied the woman had been threatened, saying the woman had a history of throwing food over the fence and making unfounded accusations about the treatment of the dog guarding the business.
“She called the owners every F-word under the sun and said she would come and get them,” Ms de Sousa said. “There is nothing wrong with the dog. The vet came out, the RSPCA came out, the council came out. This is just an old dog.”
She said the woman’s “followers” had been phoning up and wishing death and suffering upon the business owners.
Ms de Sousa said the dog received regular food but would receive more meat in future following consultation with a vet.
RSPCA Victoria senior inspector Simon Primrose said RSPCA inspectors attended the site on Thursday with Maribyrnong council officers to inspect the dog’s housing arrangements and assess its health and welfare.
“Following the inspection, the owner was issued with instructions for the dog to be assessed by a veterinarian,” he said.
Mr Primrose said that the owner of the dog has so far complied with instructions detailed in the notice that was issued to them.
“This will remain an open investigation to ensure that the notice issued to the dog owner is complied with in its entirety and all welfare concerns are rectified.”
‘Good condition’
Maribyrnong planning services director Nigel Higgins said animal management officers joined RSPCA inspectors following a complaint about a malnourished dog.
“As a result of their inspection and an assessment by the RSPCA officer, the dog was found to be in good condition and being well looked after by the owners,” Mr Higgins said.
“There was no sign of malnutrition, mistreatment or neglect of the one German shepherd located at the address.”
Mr Higgins said the dog was found to be “light in weight and shabby”, but that was due to its age.
The woman who initiated the complaints did not respond to requests for comment.
