His Tinder profile might read ‘Dog lover’, but another charge against Darwin man Yianis Skopellos may prove otherwise.
The 33-year-old is listed for a mention at Darwin local court on a new charge of ‘Intentionally Beats Animal Causing Harm’.
Skopellos first appeared in a viral video on our page in 2020, where his then girlfriend can be heard pleading with him to stop beating his pet dog Drax.
A petition on Change.Org to have Drax removed by animal welfare soon followed, attracting some 4,195 signatures.
The petition read: “Three mainstream media channels in Darwin did not touch this story.
“Although Animal Welfare are investigating, unbelievably Drax is still with his abuser.Â
He has not been seized by Animal Welfare or NT Police.Â
“We need public pressure to get Drax to safety and out of the hands of his long time abuser. We, the community, must not let his story go unheard.
“He is defenceless and has no voice.”
The animal was removed and Skopellos faced a charge two months later of ‘Commit Act Of Cruelty On Animal’, receiving a 12-month good behaviour bond.
Details of the latest charge haven’t been made publicly available yet.
Earlier this year, concerns were raised on social media when an animal rights activist noticed Skopellos sourcing a third dog on ‘Darwin NT Pets Rescue Only’ page, to “join my pack”.
More information as it becomes available.
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