An Auckland man has been sentenced after repeatedly striking a dog with a rope-like object, leaving the animal yelping in pain and distress.
SPCA said the offending took place between December 2023 and February 2024, while the man was caring for a tan and white mixed-breed dog named North.
Members of the public had witnessed the man repeatedly assaulting the dog, with some incidents captured on video.
One four-minute long video from February 2024 showed him repeatedly striking North with a rope-like object as she yelled in distress.
SPCA inspectors subsequently searched a property and seized North, finding several lengths of rope scattered around the garden.
A veterinarian who reviewed the footage said it showed clear evidence of physical abuse, causing unnecessary pain and distress. North was also seen cowering in a corner and displaying signs of fear and anxiety.
SPCA chief executive Todd Westwood described the footage as "brutal to watch".
"The treatment of North is both devastating and horrifying," he said.
"Striking an animal in any case is absolutely unacceptable and it is deeply upsetting to see the fear and distress North experienced."
When confronted with the footage, the man claimed he had used a flat piece of rope previously used to secure a fence because North kept escaping.
He acknowledged hitting the dog but maintained she had not suffered any injuries.
The man appeared in Manukau District Court yesterday, where he was sentenced to nine months' intensive supervision and 80 hours of community work after being convicted of ill-treatment of an animal.
He was also disqualified from owning dogs for 18 months.
North remained in SPCA care and was reportedly doing well.
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