A 41-year-old man accused of kicking a dog in last month's violent protest outside a Victorian union headquarters has been charged with animal cruelty.
A man was filmed kicking the dog during a brief fight on September 20 near the front of the CFMEU office on Elizabeth Street in Melbourne, where a crowd had gathered to protest the industry's COVID-19 vaccine mandate and other restrictions.
The footage prompted several reports to RSPCA Victoria, with its subsequent joint probe with Victoria Police leading to the man being charged with committing an act of cruelty on an animal.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of $45,435 or 12 months in prison.
RSPCA Victoria's chief inspector Michael Stagg was pleased many Victorians had stepped forward to provide information on the incident.
"Every incident of animal cruelty is serious, and the Victorian public are the RSPCA's eyes and ears when it comes to these matters," Mr Stagg said in a statement.
Anyone who has concerns about the welfare of an animal is urged to report it to RSPCA Victoria's inspectorate.
