A man has been captured on security footage kicking and hurling a dog in a disturbing act of animal cruelty in Kilkenny, in Adelaide's northwest, prompting an urgent search by the RSPCA for the animal and the person responsible. The incident occurred around midday on Tuesday on Mandala Street, and the footage has left locals and authorities deeply alarmed.

What the Footage Shows

The security camera footage, described as too distressing to broadcast in full, shows the dog cowering before the man believed to be its owner. The animal is then picked up by one of its legs and thrown into a basket containing glass bottles. Witnesses who saw the vision did not hold back in their condemnation.

"That's not discipline. That's no rules involved. That's just abuse," one witness said. Another added: "Seems obvious to me. No one should treat an animal like that."

The property owner, who had not been aware of the incident as it unfolded, only discovered it had been recorded when reviewing his security camera footage. "It's not a good thing at all. It shouldn't be allowed at all. That's awful," locals said upon learning of the incident.

This disturbing case is a reminder of how security cameras are increasingly playing a critical role in capturing serious incidents that might otherwise go unwitnessed.

RSPCA Fears Serious Injuries to the Dog

The RSPCA was notified immediately after the footage came to light and has launched an investigation. Inspector Stuart Thomas said the dog, described as a Staffy cross, is now missing and authorities hold serious concerns for its wellbeing.

"It is very clear that this animal was afraid and I believe came to harm," Thomas said.

Thomas outlined the types of injuries the dog may have sustained as a result of being thrown into the bottles. "The types of injuries we'd be looking at would be internal injuries and injuries to the front legs," he said.

Penalties and the Hunt for the Perpetrator

Under South Australian law, committing an act of animal cruelty of this nature carries a maximum penalty of a $20,000 fine or two years imprisonment. However, authorities say they must first identify the individual responsible before any prosecution can proceed.

"We are really reliant at this stage on public information," Inspector Thomas said, urging anyone with knowledge of the man's identity or the whereabouts of the dog to come forward.

Community Urged to Help Locate the Dog and Its Owner

With the Staffy cross still unaccounted for and potentially suffering serious injuries, the RSPCA is appealing directly to the public for assistance. Anyone who recognises the man in the footage or has information about the dog's current location is being asked to contact the RSPCA as a matter of urgency.