Police in Nanaimo are searching for a man who was reportedly seen hitting and kicking his dog in public. The disturbing incident took place on July 27 around 6:30 p.m. on Selby Road. A nearby witness contacted the police after witnessing the violent act involving a German Shepherd-type dog.
The witness told police they saw a man punching and kicking his dog in the 200 block of Selby Road. When the witness shouted at the man to stop, the suspect allegedly became aggressive. He walked toward the witness and demanded to see their phone, suspecting that he was being filmed.
The witness denied recording the event and said they were not filming. After a brief confrontation, the man and his dog walked away heading south on Selby Road. The witness managed to take a photo of the man and his dog before they left the area.
Police say the man is around 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighs about 175 pounds. He has tanned skin, dark hair tied in a ponytail, and a moustache with a short beard. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a dark T-shirt, light-colored shorts that reached his knees, and a white and dark baseball cap. He was also seen riding and walking with a skateboard.
The dog is described as a German Shepherd mix with black, tan, and white fur. It also has a white tip on its tail, which may help with identification.
Officers are now asking anyone who may know the man or the dog to come forward. They hope the public can help identify the individual involved to ensure the animal is safe. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are taking the case seriously.
Animal abuse is a criminal offense in Canada. Under the Criminal Code, causing harm or suffering to animals can result in fines or jail time. Authorities often rely on tips from the public to locate and protect animals in danger.
If you have any information, you are urged to contact the Nanaimo RCMP non-emergency line at (250) 754-2345. Be sure to refer to file number 25-23755 when making a report.
Police stress the importance of community support in such cases. By coming forward with tips, witnesses can play a key role in protecting animals from harm. Anyone who may have seen something that day, including other photos, videos, or identifying details, is encouraged to speak up.
The RCMP thanked the witness for taking action and sharing a description. They say every piece of information could help track down the person responsible and possibly prevent further abuse.
