Victoria Police have released horrifying CCTV footage of the moment a pet owner was bashed after he was confronted by two men who wanted to buy his dog.
The man had been walking along the Princes Highway in Dandenong on November 27, 2023, about 6pm when the pair asked if they could pat his husky.
They asked how much it would cost to purchase the animal from him, but the owner told the two men it was not for sale.
The men then tried to grab the leash from the victim and attempted to snatch the dog.
He was punched a number of times in the face.
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The dog owner got up, dropping money, which was taken by the pair.
The victim fled the scene and was chased across the Princes Highway and M2.
Investigators released the vision of the final moments of the assault, showing one man holding a large stick and repeatedly bashing the husky's owner in front of bystanders.
He suffered injuries to his head and upper body.
Detectives want to speak with two men they believe can help with inquiries.
The first man is described as African in appearance, aged in his early 20s, with a slim build and black braided or dreadlocked hair.
At the time he wore black trackpants, white shoes and carrying a yellow soccer ball.
The second man is described as Caucasian, aged in his mid to late 20s, with an average build and short black hair.
He was sporting a red baseball hat, black hooded jumper with what appeared to be a white image on the front and blue trackpants with white stripes.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or may have security or dash cam vision is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
