Man Charged with 10 Animal Cruelty Offenses After Allegedly Leaving 2 Dogs Inside a Bike Locker at Train Station

A 57-year-old man has been charged with animal cruelty after two dogs were found inside a bike locker at a train station in Australia.

The New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) told PEOPLE in a statement that the man was arrested after the two dogs were found in bad condition.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, Nov. 19, around 4 p.m. local time when police were called to Penrith railway station — located about 34 miles from central Sydney — following reports of dogs heard barking inside a metal bike locker.

When police arrived on the scene, they gained access to the locker with the help of Fire and Rescue NSW. Inside, they found two greyhound dogs, one of which was “already deceased.”

Police said they found a second one that was “suffering from extreme heatstroke.” The dog was transported to a local veterinarian, where it later died. 

After launching an investigation into the incident, police said they arrested a 57-year-old man at Station Street, Penrith, on Thursday, Nov. 20, at around 9:30 a.m. Police did not detail how they were able to connect the incident to the suspect.

Although police did not identify the man, local news outlet The Western Weekender identified him as Sandy Norrie. It is unclear whether the dogs belonged to the man or someone else. 

He was taken to St. Marys Police Station in Penrith, where he was charged with 10 animal cruelty offenses.

The charges include two counts of recklessly beating and killing an animal, committing an act of aggravated cruelty upon an animal, confining an animal in cage of dimensions inadequate for exercise, committing an act of cruelty upon an animal and being in charge of an animal failing to exercise care, according to the NSWPF.

He was refused bail and appeared in court on Nov. 20. His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 27.

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This incident comes as several Australian states, including South Australia, have increased penalties for animal cruelty offenses. In South Australia, those found guilty of animal abuse could now face maximum fines of up to $250,000, and possibly up to 10 years jail, per Vet Practice Magazine. The previous penalty was a $50,000 fine and four years in jail.

Corporations could also be fined up to $1 million for mistreating animals, according to the outlet.