A 58-year-old woman was punched in the face and thrown to the ground after coming to the aid of a dog that was being assaulted by its owner in Coffs Harbour at the weekend.
Police say that shortly before 9.30pm on Saturday, a man attended a fast food restaurant on Bray Street, Coffs Harbour with a dog.
A woman parked nearby approached the man after reportedly seeing him strike the dog in the head and body.
Following an argument between the two over the treatment of the dog, the man allegedly punched the 58-year-old woman in the face, threw her to the ground, and grabbed hold of her throat with his hands.
Witnesses intervened and the man released his grip on the woman. The pair continued to argue and the man again allegedly assaulted the woman, punching her in the face before walking away.Â
Police were notified, with officers from Coffs/Clarence Police District attending shortly after the incident.
Following inquiries, a 49-year-old man was arrested at a nearby home on Bray Street and taken to Coffs Harbour Police Station.
He was charged with commit an act of cruelty upon an animal, common assault, and intentionally choke person with recklessness.
The man was refused bail to appear at Port Macquarie Local Court.
