An Auckland woman has been sentenced to six months home detention after “serious neglect” of a dog in her care, the SPCA says.
The dog, named Brock, had to be euthanised.
The woman was sentenced in the Pukekohe District Court yesterday on charges of failing to provide proper and sufficient food to an animal and failing to provide treatment to an injured animal.
An inspector from the SPCA attended a property in Auckland after it received a call of concern about Brock.
It said the white and tan male crossbreed was tethered to a railing by a large chain – which was embedded in his neck.
“Brock was extremely thin, with his ribs, hips and spine showing through his skin.
“He had no access to drinking water or adequate shelter, and there was a large accumulation of faeces in his living area,” the SPCA said.
The inspector removed Brock from the property, the SPCA said, and took him for veterinary examination which revealed extreme emaciation, with no body fat to be seen, along with little muscle mass.
Brock then had to be sedated for the chain to be surgically removed.
“All the areas where the chain was embedded in Brock’s neck were inflamed and there was significant thickening of skin around the latch, indicating the chain had been entrenched in his neck for some time.
“Brock also required a second surgery to remove the affected area on his neck.”
The veterinarian concluded Brock would have suffered unreasonable and unnecessary long-term severe pain and distress due to both the collar and wound, and lack of food. The suffering would have lasted between three to six months.
“His extremely poor body condition and severe collar wound would have been clearly visible to anyone from a distance.”
The defendant told the SPCA Brock had belonged to somebody else who had moved from the property at the beginning of the year – but provided no further information.
She also added she had recently been away from the property and her friends and family had been caring for Brock while she was gone.
The ownership of Brock was then surrendered to the SPCA – but due to behavioural issues – the SPCA said its teams had to “make a heartbreaking decision” to humanely euthanise him.
SPCA chief executive officer Todd Westwood said Brock had deserved a better life than one on a chain.
“Heartbreaking is the word I would use to describe this situation. What is hard to imagine is Brock’s condition was obviously noticeable to those charged with his care, and they did nothing.
“Brock suffered from serious neglect for months, and if cared for properly, his outcome could have been very different. It is least heartwarming to know Brock’s last moments were with people who cared. He was treated and fed and was in a place of safety and love.”
“If owners are struggling to care for their pets, SPCA is here to help whether it be food or medical care. We know times are tough for many, but our teams will always help where they can.”
The woman was disqualified from owning animals for five years, and ordered to pay legal fees of $250 and $500 towards reparations.
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