POLICE are searching for a man who allegedly assaulted a dog at a fast food restaurant in Wallsend.
Officers were called to the outlet on Cowper Street just before 10am on Thursday after reports the driver of a vehicle had been cruel to a German Shepherd-type dog after it jumped out.
Detectives have now publicly released a description of the person they believe could help with the investigation.
The man is thought to be aged between 40 and 50, be of Caucasian appearance, about 170-175 centimetres tall, of stocky build, and with dark hair.
He was last seen driving a red Ford Falcon ute in the company of a dog officers believe to be a German Shepherd.
The public appeal for help tracking the man down comes after police launched an investigation into the alleged animal cruelty.
Witnesses told police the dog had jumped out of a vehicle while it was parked at the fast food outlet, and when the driver caught it, he assaulted it.
Two members of the public had to step in, police said.
The man drove off and witnesses reported what they saw to Waratah Police Station.
Anyone with information, who witnessed the incident, or who might have dashcam footage from the area at the time, has been urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or make an online report.
