‘Cat killer’ on bail

Man banned from owning pets

A GOLD Coast man who allegedly told police he beat a cat to death on Christmas night has been granted bail on animal cruelty charges.

Police were called by neighbours to the Labrador home of Dylan Clarke’s friend on Monday night after reports of a disturbance.

When they arrived about 10.30pm they found a kitten dead on the footpath. Clarke was standing at the front door of the McMillian St property, police say.

When officers went inside they found a dead adult cat, which the 25year-old allegedly said he beat to death.

Clarke was charged with two counts of serious animal cruelty. He was also charged with possession of cannabis and drug utensils.

Clarke was yesterday granted bail by the Southport Magistrates Court on the proviso he surrender two pet snakes to the RSPCA within 48 hours.

Six years ago, Clarke was involved in a car crash that went horribly wrong.

In November 2011, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported news about a horror drag-racing accident where the then 19-year-old collided with a 4WD that was travelling in the opposite direction.

The couple in the 4WD were returning from their 20th wedding anniversary celebration, a witness said.

Clarke was put in an in- duced coma after suffering head injuries.

Magistrate Gary Finger yesterday prohibited Clarke from owning, acquiring or possessing any animals while on bail.

He cannot contact a witness and must reside at his parent’s home in Helensvale until he returns to court on January 11.

Outside court Clarke said: “I didn’t kill anything, mate.”