Dog Found Tied To Cement Block Underwater, Police Arrest 49-Year-Old In Canine's Torture Killing

A man in Australia was arrested and charged with animal cruelty in connection to the death of a dog that was found weighed down underwater with a cement block.

The 2-year-old Belgian Malinois was found at Yowie Bay in Sydney by swimmers on Saturday. The police said divers retrieved the dog and rushed it to a vet for examination.

Following initial investigation, the officers issued a search warrant and arrested 49-year-old Shannon Bertus De Waard on Monday in connection to the canine's death, Northern Daily Leader reported.

The man was charged with three offenses including torture, beat and cause death of animal, commit an act of aggravated cruelty upon an animal and possess prohibited drug. The police reportedly seized more than 117 grams of cannabis during the arrest. They also found other items that authorities claim are relevant to the investigation, The Australian reported.

"This is beyond horrifying. I cannot imagine the pain and suffering endured by this sentient being," Animal Justice MP Emma Hurst reportedly said in a statement. "Anyone who harms an animal in an aggressive act of cruelty is a danger to other animals and the wider community."

Authorities did not reveal many details about the accused. The motive for the cruel act was also unclear.

On Tuesday, the accused was released on bail after appearing in Sutherland Local Court and is expected to return on Nov. 23. Authorities did not reveal if the dog was owned by anyone or was it a stray. An investigation is currently underway into the incident.

In August, in Pennsylvania, nearly 100 starving dogs were found locked up and several canines dead inside a home in a case of animal cruelty. The rescue operation was carried out with the help of the local police and nonprofit Cross Your Paws Rescue. The authorities confirmed 99 dogs and two cats were saved from the home, but many died. The police said a mother and her son were hoarding the dogs, and were trying to smuggle some of the puppies out of the house. There were some mother dogs found in the middle of giving birth inside the house. Many puppies were also found dead.