A Rotorua man has been sentenced to community service following a disturbing incident in which he violently assaulted his dog, resulting in severe injuries.
The incident occurred on January 3, 2024, when the man was walking his black crossbreed dog, Bubby, at Whakarewarewa Forest Park. According to the SPCA, the man became agitated when approaching another dog and its owner. In a series of violent actions, he struck Bubby with an open hand, causing the dog distress. The abuse escalated when the man kicked Bubby in the ribcage, punched him in the head twice with a closed fist, and stomped on his right forelimb.
The assault culminated when the man forcibly lifted Bubby onto his shoulder and threw him to the ground, leaving the dog injured. SPCA inspectors later discovered that Bubby had suffered a fractured metacarpal bone in his forelimb, a clear sign of blunt force trauma consistent with stomping. The injury caused significant pain to Bubby, which was exacerbated by the delayed medical care.
The man was charged with ill-treatment of an animal under the Animal Welfare Act 1999. He has been sentenced to 50 hours of community service and six months of supervision. Additionally, he has been ordered to pay reparations totaling $2,950.30 and has been banned from owning dogs for five years.
SPCA CEO Todd Westwood expressed his shock and disgust, emphasizing that there is no justification for such cruelty. “Animals cannot speak or defend themselves, and that’s why we will continue to seek justice for them,” Westwood said.
This case highlights the need for continued vigilance in preventing animal abuse and holding offenders accountable.
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