OCTOBER 10 happens to be national Vet Nurses Day, an occasion to celebrate Australian veterinary staff for all the hard work they do in helping animals.
Unfortunately, instead of being celebrated on Friday morning, Dr Michel and Wayne Doney arrived at their Margaret River Veterinary Hospital to find the shopfront covered in harsh, black graffiti.
The word “philistine” had been spray painted twice across the windows.
Mr Doney guessed the reason behind the graffiti was a letter he had published in the local newspaper, which opposed the Shire of Augusta Margaret River’s plans to convert the Margaret River squash courts into a community art gallery.
In calling Mr Doney a philistine, the vandal accused him of being indifferent to culture and the arts.
However, Mr Doney was quick to respond to this accusation via social media.
“I am not against the arts in any way,” he wrote in a Facebook post.
“I believe that it is a poor financial decision.
“What happened to having an opinion?”.
Margaret River Police Sergeant Brett Cassidy said the vandalism was a serious offence that could be punished with up to two years in prison or a substantial fine.
He said no suspects had been identified yet but witnesses are urged to contact police on 9757 2222 or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
“Witnesses may be eligible for reward,” Sgt Cassidy said.
WA Police operations regularly target graffiti, as police aim to “nip it in the bud” before the perpetrators possibly escalate into further crimes.
“These people aren’t artists – they’re damaging people’s property,” Sgt Cassidy said.
For more information visit goodbyegraffiti.wa.gov.au/
Note: This story originally stated Dr Michel Doney was the main target for vandals, however this was a misunderstanding by the Mail. The story has now been corrected to report Mr Wayne Doney as the author of the letter and main target in the graffiti act.
