A 20-year-old man has been charged with allegedly eating a live goldfish he took from a tank at a pet shop in Castle Hill, a suburb of Sydney, while recording it on social media
A man allegedly walked into a pet store and ate a live goldfish he took from a tank to the horror of staff.
The 20-year-old has now been charged by New South Wales Police over the bizarre incident where he also is claimed to have said: “This is for Donald Trump ” before putting the fish in his mouth. The unnamed man is alleged to have taken the goldfish from Petbarn in Castle Hill, around 20 miles northwest of the centre of Sydney, last Sunday, and eaten it before walking off. He is understood to have been recording his actions on the social media platform Discord. And later he returned to pay for the $8 (£3.90) fish he had allegedly consumed.
“He walked straight over to the tank, picked it up and ate it,” one worker told The Daily Telegraph. “He swallowed the whole thing in front of me … I heard him crunch on it.”
The Hills Police Area Command launched an investigation with a 20-year-old man charged with committing an act of cruelty upon an animal and behaving in an offensive manner.
“The goldfish gobbler incident is being treated seriously due to concerns around animal cruelty and public decency,” NSW Police said in a statement.
And then in a later message it said: “’Goldfish Gobbler’ Update – Castle Hill. Following public tip-offs, the man involved in the alleged animal cruelty incident at a Castle Hill pet shop has now handed himself in and is assisting Hills Police with inquiries.
“The act—filmed and possibly streamed online—sparked concern and led to a swift response from the community. Thanks to our followers for the information shared. Your support continues to make a difference. If you have further information, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Please do not report crime in the comments.”
A spokesperson for Petbarn told news.com.au that it was a “deeply distressing incident for our team” who have been offered counselling.
They said: “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.
“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.” The man charged with eating the goldfish will appear in Parramatta Local Court in August.