Arabic version: رفض الإفراج بكفالة عن متهم بإيذاء أغنام في كانبيرا

According to ABC News, an 18-year-old man accused of breaking into a rural property in Canberra’s south and injuring several sheep last month has been refused bail.

Police were called to the property, adjacent to the Monaro Highway in Tuggeranong, on September 17 after its owner found multiple injured sheep in a holding pen. Police allege several people entered the property the previous night, used dogs to round up eight sheep and herd them into the pen.

Several sheep were allegedly deliberately injured with firearms and “edged weapons”. One sheep died and another was euthanased. The property’s home was also allegedly ransacked.

Police arrested Memphis Auld, 18, during a raid at a Richardson home and said they seized items including cannabis and a large knife. He faces charges including aggravated animal cruelty, aggravated burglary, possession of a prohibited firearm, trafficking cannabis, and motor vehicle and driving offences. A 16-year-old was arrested and released pending further investigation, while a 27-year-old already in custody is expected to be charged.

Magistrate Alexandra Burt refused bail, citing concerns about alleged reoffending, wellbeing of others and possible interference with evidence. The court heard that a firearm believed to have been used remained outstanding. Auld was remanded in custody and is due to return to court later this month. Police asked anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers ACT and quote 8502989.