A Christchurch man has been sentenced over the repeated ill treatment of a cat – including using a pair of pliers to break the family pet's teeth.
In December 2022, the man purchased a cat, Max, for his partner.
Between April and July 2023, he used a pair of pliers to break both Max’s upper canine teeth. He later said this was because the cat had bitten him and he was afraid that he would bite their daughter.
The fractured canines were seen during a routine veterinary examination in January 2024. Due to their importance in grasping and tearing food, a cat’s overall health, and the significant pain and discomfort the injuries would have caused, Max was referred to a veterinary dentist for extraction or a root canal, the SPCA said. However, this was not followed through.
Further examination by an SPCA veterinarian concluded that the damage was consistent with the teeth having been deliberately snapped. Max’s canines were subsequently extracted.
In April 2024, Max was recovering from a hind‑leg amputation following a severe fracture and was confined to a wire crate in the man's lounge. CCTV footage showed the defendant removing Max from the crate before restraining and struggling with him on the floor. The footage then showed the man holding Max by the tail, then lifting him up and over the crate, and releasing him before chasing him around the lounge and attempting to kick him as he ran away.
This handling, particularly lifting Max by the tail and allowing him to fall onto a recent amputation site, would have caused significant pain, distress, and discomfort, according to veterinarians.
Later that same day, the man again removed Max from the crate by scruffing him by the neck for approximately 40 seconds – a type of handling which was inappropriate for adult cats which could cause fear and distress. The man then carried Max out of view of the camera.
Max was later found by his owner unable to use his one remaining hind leg. A veterinary examination revealed an open femur fracture, a lip wound likely caused during the incident, injuries to his front feet, and broken whiskers. The veterinarians concluded Max would have been in severe pain and the fracture would have required significant blunt force.
When confronted by the owner after viewing the footage, the man admitted he had kicked Max and "hit him". He declined to be interviewed by SPCA inspectors.
Max was taken into the SPCA's care, where he received treatment for his injuries before being adopted into a loving new home.
The man was sentenced in the Christchurch District Court to four months' community detention on one charge of willful ill treatment of an animal and three charges of ill treatment of an animal.
The defendant was also ordered to pay reparations of $5032.75 and disqualified from owning animals for 10 years.
'A complete lack of empathy or care'
SPCA CEO Todd Westwood said Max’s treatment was despicable.
"The fact Max was not seen by a veterinarian for months after his teeth were deliberately broken beggars belief. Max would have suffered extreme pain and suffering during this time and struggled to eat," Westwood said.
"Not only that, but the defendant also swung Max by his tail while recovering from a serious injury, one month out of surgery. It shows a complete lack of empathy or care during a time where Max was extremely vulnerable.
"We’re very grateful to our Inspectors and the vets who cared for Max and we’re so happy he has found peace in a loving, caring home."
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