UK Tourist Denied Bail in Australia Over Alleged Dog Abuse
A British national faces charges of drowning and beating a kelpie to death in Western Australia.
A United Kingdom tourist has been denied bail in Western Australia after allegedly drowning and beating a one-year-old kelpie to death. Bradley Gavin Knoesen, 31, appeared in Kalgoorlie Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, facing a charge of causing unnecessary harm to an animal.
According to police allegations presented in court, Knoesen, who is in Australia on a six-month visa, had consumed a significant amount of alcohol with his cousin in Kalgoorlie before encountering the dog. The court heard that Knoesen repeatedly submerged the kelpie underwater until it became unresponsive, laughing and smiling during the act. When the dog attempted to swim away, Knoesen allegedly forced it back underwater.
A witness reportedly revived the dog using CPR. However, Knoesen then allegedly claimed the animal was 'brain dead' and struck it with a glass bottle. Prosecutors further allege that Knoesen tied the dog's body to a motorbike and dragged it through bushland on the outskirts of town.
The witness led police to the dog's remains, though it was not clear in court who the kelpie belonged to. Knoesen did not enter a plea to the charge.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Ian Southall opposed bail, citing Knoesen's status as a UK citizen on a temporary visa as a flight risk. Magistrate Donna Webb denied the bail application, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations.
The case is scheduled to return to court on October 12.