Edmonton man charged after pet horse 'mutilated' by pig hunting dogs

The man is alleged to be the owner of two pig hunting dogs that were left unrestrained and allegedly gained entry to a property and mutilated the pet horse, while the man was parked in a car nearby.

Witnesses ran to aid the horse and managed to fend off the dogs, but the extent of the injuries sustained led to the horse being euthanased.

Police allege that following the incident, the owner collected his dogs and left the scene.

The man was taken into custody at a Redlynch shopping centre on Friday, February 19 and was scheduled to appear in the Cairns Magistrates Court on Monday.

He was subsequently charged with unlawful maiming of an animal, evading police, unlicenced driving, possession of dangerous drugs and possession of drug utensils.

Detective Sergeant Mark Kerswell, Officer in Charge of the Major and Organised Rural Crime Squad, said that dog owners have a duty of care to ensure their dogs are under control in public or populated areas.

"This was a sickening attack and a horrendous scene witnessed by those who went to the aid of the horse," Ms Kerswell said.

"While this occurred on a rural road, there are houses nearby and the area is often used by people running and riding bikes.

"Had a child or member of the public been in the area at the time, this already catastrophic incident could have been far worse."