A MANDURANG man accused of stealing and killing up to a dozen dogs from the central Victorian region appeared in Bendigo Magistrates Court yesterday.
Barry Patrick Rochford, 47, of Nankervis Road, Mandurang, was arrested by police on Wednesday morning and later charged with 13 offences including two counts of theft relating to five Irish wolfhounds allegedly stolen from properties at Neilborough and Buninyong in April, 2007, and November, 2007.
Rochford has also been charged with one count of arson, six counts of animal cruelty, two counts of wilful trespass, one count of obtaining property by deception and one charge relating to the alleged possession of articles for criminal damage.
Rochford appeared in court yesterday afternoon before Magistrate Richard Wright seeking bail.
Under questioning by police prosecutor Senior-Constable Dave Somerton, Detective-Sergeant Brendon Murphy told the court he had “very real concerns” for the safety of witnesses, should Rochford be granted bail.
He told the court potential prosecution witnesses were “concerned about retribution.”
“I can assure you, this person causes me as much concern as any of the persons I have charged in the last 20 years Sir, that’s how I view Mr Rochford,” Det-Sgt Murphy told Mr Wright.
He described Rochford as “vindictive,” and said the alleged crimes were “pre-meditated to get back at people.”
Opposing the bail application, Sen-Constable Somerton told the court the nature of charges Rochford faced, and the way they were allegedly committed, painted a very different picture of the man who had previously been on bail for arson and assorted firearms charges.
Det-Sgt Murphy told the court Rochford had a longstanding career in the dog world, working at times as a breeder, owner and transporter.
When asked by Sen-Constable Somerton what dog breeds Rochford was involved with, Det-Sgt Murphy replied quickly.
‘‘You name it, I think he’s done it.’’ Det-Sgt Murphy alleged Rochford was involved in the theft of an adult Irish wolfhound and two pups from a Neilborough property on April 1, 2007.
Two of the animals were transported to Bathurst where one was sold for $1500 and the other kept for attempted breeding.
He said the third dog was kept at a chicken farm on the outskirts of Melbourne until it was returned to Mandurang and subsequently killed, later found with blue hayband around its neck.
One of the two Irish wolfhounds allegedly stolen from a property in Buninyong in November, 2007, was found tied to a tree in isolated forest near Lake Eppalock, south-east of Bendigo, on Christmas Day last year in ‘‘an advanced state of decomposition.’’
Det-Sgt Murphy said the animal had earlier been tethered in a way with a distinctive yellow leash that prevented her from moving, leaving it to die a slow and agonising death in cruel circumstances.
Det-Sgt Murphy alleged Rochford had previously been involved in a civil proceeding over the ownership and possession of the Irish wolfhounds housed on the Buninyong property, and that a person fitting his description had been spotted near the property at about 5.30 am on November 12, 2007, the day the dogs were allegedly stolen.
The court also heard that two puppies discovered in bushland not far from Rochford’s Nankervis Road property on August 4, 2007, had extensive head injuries, including skull fractures, most likely inflicted by a blunt, heavy object.
One puppy survived, while officers were forced to euthanase the other animal.
The court heard over following days, others dogs were found dead not far away.
All had blue hayband tied around their necks.
While Det-Sgt Murphy claimed Rochford’s continued involvement with dogs since he was granted bail on arson and firearms charges was of concern, Mr Wright said this was not in breach of the earlier bail conditions set down in April.
Defence barrister Megan Aumair told the court Rochford had undergone counselling since his arrest in April and had adhered to the strict conditions of his bail, including residing at his brother’s Bendigo home and not visiting the Mandurang district.
She told the court Rochford would strenuously deny the charges he was facing.
‘‘These are very serious allegations that my client will be defending vigorously,’’ she said.
Mr Wright granted Rochford bail and ordered him to appear again at Bendigo Magistrates Court on July 17.
He also ordered that a suppression order previously imposed on matters heard in Rochford’s earlier court appearances, the subject of challenges by The Advertiser, be completely lifted.