Aussie man charged after allegedly eating live fish in Petbarn
Just after midday on Sunday, police responded to a call from Petbarn in Castle Hill, about 30 km northwest of Sydney's CBD, following reports of a man behaving strangely after entering the shop.
NSW Police told news.com.au that officers attended the scene and were told that a man had allegedly entered the store, taken a live fish from a tank, eaten it whole, and then left.
Bizarre move after cruel fish act
Police allege he was lifestreaming on Discord at the time, which was initially a platform for gamers but is now used by content creators to stream everyday videos.
Before eating the fish, the man allegedly said 'This is for Donald Trump,' according to The Daily Telegraph, who referred to the man as 'the goldfish gobbler'.
In a bizarre turn of events, police say the man reportedly left the store before returning a short time later to pay for the $8 fish.
Following an inquiry by The Hills Police Area Command, the man was charged with committing an act of cruelty upon an animal and behaving in an offensive manner.
Petbarn says incident was 'deeply distressing'
A spokesperson for Petbarn told news.com.au that it was a 'deeply distressing incident for our team'.
'Our store team immediately contacted NSW Police, who responded swiftly and have charged an individual with a number of offences. We are grateful for their prompt and professional action,' they said.
'Our team members were understandably very shaken by what they witnessed and have been offered counselling and support. At Petbarn, the welfare of animals is our number one priority.
'Any act of cruelty towards animals is unacceptable and completely contrary to the values we uphold as a team and organisation committed to responsible pet care and wellbeing.
'We trust that the relevant authorities will take appropriate action in accordance with the law.'
PETA responds
PETA Asia Senior Vice President Jason Baker told news.com.au, 'Swallowing a live goldfish wasn't a social media stunt, it was a deliberate act of cruelty against a sentient animal capable of feeling fear and pain.'
'PETA urges anyone rightly disturbed by this incident to also consider the trillions of fish killed for food each year — often in equally violent, terrifying ways.'
Penalties for animal cruelty
In New South Wales, animal cruelty carries significant penalties.
People convicted of cruelty to animals can face a maximum fine of $44,000, one year in jail, or both.
The man will appear in Parramatta Local Court on August 20.
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