The RSPCA Victoria is investigating the kicking of a dog at a protest in front of Melbourne’s construction union headquarters.

Hundreds of construction workers and anti-vaccination protesters have spent the past two days violently clashing with police over mandated COVID-19 vaccines for the industry.

In footage captured at Monday’s rally, a man can be seen kicking a dog as a person walks the animal through the crowd outside the CFMEU building.

“It was disturbing to see the footage which appeared to show intentional cruelty inflicted on a defenceless animal,” RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michael Stagg said in a statement.

“I assure the Victorian community that RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate is investigating this alleged case of cruelty with the intention of holding the perpetrator accountable to the full extent of the law.”

It is illegal to abuse, beat, worry, torment or terrify an animal, and anyone found guilty of such an offence faces a maximum penalty of $45,435 or 12 months’ imprisonment.

Witnesses with firsthand information relating to the case are encouraged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate via www.rspcavic.org/report or by calling (03) 9224 2222.

AAP

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