An Auckland woman who repeatedly beat her pregnant dog has been sentenced to community work and supervision.
The ill-treatment was discovered in October 2024, when a person visiting a property in Wiri noticed a roaming dog named Medusa.
A woman was then seen walking from her nearby house and calling to the dog. Instead of going to her, Medusa ran away through a neighbouring property, between a house and a fence.
The woman went after Medusa, dragging her by the collar back to her house while punching her in the face and neck with closed fists.
As she dragged and struck the dog, she yelled" "That's what you get for not listening" as well as "I bet that hurt" and "is that sore?"
Each time she released the dog, she ran off again, with the woman going after her and resuming the violence.
The witness videoed part of the attack and sent it to the SPCA who launched an investigation. Inspectors visited the property the same day and took Medusa into care.
An examination of Medusa found she was pregnant and suffering from neck pain. A vet said Medusa was afflicted with "learned helplessness" – where abused animals show no reaction to pain, fearful that such a response will incite more anger and more abuse.
The vet said the attack would have caused Medusa severe and acute pain at the time and leaving her with muscle and skin bruising. She would also have been severely distressed with anxiety, pain, fear, anger and panic.
When the woman was interviewed, she admitted being Medusa's owner and was aware the dog was about three months pregnant. She initially denied attacking Medusa but admitted it once she was shown the video and screenshots.
She was charged with ill-treatment of an animal and, last Friday, sentenced in the Manukau District Court to 40 hours' community work and eight months' supervision. She was also disqualified from owning dogs for two years and ordered to pay reparations of $1040.
Ill-treatment of Medusa 'sickening'
SPCA chief executive Todd Westwood labelled the attack as "sickening".
“Medusa’s ordeal was deeply distressing," he said. "No animal should ever be treated this way, let alone by the person responsible for their care and wellbeing. The fact that Medusa was pregnant at the time makes this behaviour even more appalling.”
"Medusa is now in a safe, caring environment with our teams who are doing an incredible job of building her confidence and teaching her to trust again.”
SPCA canine lead Jenna Morris said Medusa was thriving in SPCA and foster care after birthing her puppies – all since adopted out.
“Medusa still remains in care of her foster, but while in centre care, she quickly became our star resident. She became our go-to dog for welcoming and settling in the newbies, making friends, teaching them how to play and encouraging them to come out of their shells,” Morris said.
“She is a volunteer favourite. Every staff member who interacts with her just loves her. "
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