Mistaken vigilantes have sent threats to an innocent family they wrongly assumed was responsible for starving and mistreating two dogs in Spence.
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Publicity of an animal cruelty case involving Nicole Weaver, who was fined just $800 for neglecting the animals, prompted community outrage last week.
But some Canberrans appear to have taken their anger over the case too far and have taken the law into their own hands.
An abusive letter was sent to a family with same surname as the offender, who also live in Spence, but had absolutely nothing to do with the case, Nicole Weaver, or the dogs.
It read:
"I hope the world treats you with the same lack of compassion and respect that you showed towards those poor animals.
"Understand this: I will be distributing your contact details along with the article that appeared in The Canberra Times to as many people as I can, including the people that live in your street.
"That way Nicole, everyone will know what a monster you are."
The letter was met with shock by the family, who have a dog they treat with much care and affection.
The development has prompted a general warning from ACT Policing about the dangers of vigilantism.
"While ACT Policing understands the anger incidents like this can cause in the community, we warn people against seeking their own form of retribution," a spokesman said.
"Vigilante behaviour will not be tolerated and will be dealt with by ACT Policing."
Police said there was due process to follow in every matter, regardless of the circumstances.
"Police should be the first to intervene in any matter and the first contact point for the public with any complaints."
The actual offender was sentenced in the ACT Magistrates Court last month, but avoided any restrictions on pet ownership.
She was fined $800 for offences against two animals, Piper and Olivia.
Both had been starved, and the woman explained that she didn't go near them because she was "scared of the brown one".
Piper had an ear infection, her eardrum had ruptured, her nails were overgrown, and her coat was matted all over her body, with faecal balls left to accumulate at her rear.
She was rated as "extremely underweight" and blood tests were consistent with starvation.
Olivia, a brown mixed breed, was also underweight, her bones clearly visible through her skin.
