A man who allegedly bashed and killed a puppy hours after he bought it can be unmasked as a former private school boy.
Cooper Owen, 21, allegedly pulled over in a carpark on Maitland Rd at Sandgate, in Newcastle, at 4.20pm on Sunday and removed a puppy from his vehicle.
He then allegedly began slamming the puppy — a staffordshire terrier and bull arab cross — against the side of his car before throwing it to the ground.
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The alleged abuse continued before the pup was put back into the vehicle.
Witnesses reported the alleged incident to police, who arrested Owen at a home in Lemon Tree Passage at 9.05pm on Sunday.
The puppy was later found dead on Porowei Way, Kooragang — a bush track, 20 minutes away from Maitland Rd, that runs along the South Channel Hunter River.
7NEWS.com.au can reveal Owen is a former student of St Philip’s Christian College in Port Stephens.
Stock image of a staffordshire bull terrier. Credit: Unsplash
Owen was allegedly seen abusing the puppy in a carpark on Maitland Rd at Sandgate. Credit: Google Maps
The entrance to Porowei Way, which runs parallel to the South Channel Hunter River. Credit: Google Maps
The school costs up to $11,525 per year per child depending on which grade they are enrolled in.
His family also own and operate a local business in the construction and home improvement industry.
Owen was charged with two offences: commit an act of aggravated cruelty upon an animal, and torturing, beating etc and seriously injuring an animal.
Police have seized clothing, a car seat cover and a mobile phone and said the puppy’s body will be examined.
Police will allege Owen purchased the puppy on the same day it was beaten.
Owen appeared before Bail Division Court on Monday and was granted conditional bail.
Under his bail conditions, he is not allowed to own or be in possession of any animals and he must accept any reasonable recommended medical treatment.
He is next due to face Raymond Terrace Local Court on July 28.
7NEWS.com.au has contacted St Philip’s Christian College for comment.
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