Man claims he chopped dog because it ate his chickens

A person alleged to have chopped a dog has claimed on social media that it was because the animal ate his chickens.

Police in Labasa are investigating the incident after graphic images and videos showing the injured dog circulated online.

In a Facebook post, a man identifying himself as Joel Prakasham commented: “Daa reason y I did it becoz it eat my chicks”, alongside a photo of several dead chicks in a cage.

The images have sparked outrage among animal welfare advocates and members of the public, many of whom are calling for urgent action against animal cruelty.

Authorities have not confirmed whether charges will be laid, but police say they are aware of the matter and inquiries are ongoing.

Under Fiji’s animal welfare laws, causing unnecessary suffering to an animal can lead to prosecution, with penalties including fines and imprisonment.