Police use capsicum spray on dog

A PET dog was doused in capsicum spray during a bizarre domestic disturbance at Redbank.

Ipswich Magistrates Court heard police were called to a house on Brisbane Road about 2.30pm on September 11 following reports of a woman being threatened by a male occupant.

Prosecutor Sergeant Kerry Allison told the court officers requested back-up after they heard the sound of a man shouting, soon followed by breaking glass.

Rudi Alexander Wehrend, 32 – who was one of two men inside the house at the time – became aggressive with police who were called into try and control the situation.

“He ordered police to leave the house and repeatedly fought with officers,” Sgt Allison said.

“He went away and came back with a German shepherd dog, which lunged at police.

“He made no attempt to control the dog.”

Police fired capsicum spray into the dog’s snout in an effort to protect themselves – the court heard they were forced to spray the dog twice before the situation calmed down.

The dog did not suffer any permanent injuries from the capsicum spray.

The court was told that during the fracas, another man inside the house sustained deep cuts and was bleeding heavily.

The prosecution did not say what triggered the incident.

Wehrend was later arrested and charged with public nuisance and obstructing police.

After pleading guilty to the charges in court, he said he had no intention at the time of preventing police from doing their duties.

“It was a very emotional time for me,” he said.

“I have no prior convictions and I have always been a hard working person.

“I am pleading guilty today so I don’t want to fight anyone.”

Wehrend was fined $350.