Man sentenced after repeated ill treatment of cat, including breaking teeth with pliers

He appeared in the Christchurch District Court today (March 24) on one charge of wilful ill treatment of an animal and three charges of ill treatment of an animal.

In December 2022, the defendant purchased a cat called 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 Max had bitten him and he was afraid that he would bite their daughter.

The fractured canines were observed during a routine veterinary examination in January 2024. Given the important role canine teeth play in grasping and tearing food, their importance for 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 root canal, 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 defendant’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 defendant 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.

Veterinary opinion was that 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.

Later the same day, the defendant again removed Max from the crate by scruffing him and held him in this position for approximately 40 seconds. This type of handling is not appropriate for adult cats and can cause fear and distress.

The defendant then carried Max out of view of the camera.

Max was later found by his owner unable to use his one remaining hind leg. Veterinary examination revealed an open femur fracture, a lip wound likely caused during the incident, injuries to his front feet, and broken whiskers. Veterinarians concluded Max would have been in severe pain and that the fracture would have required significant blunt force.

When confronted by the owner after viewing the footage, the defendant admitted he had kicked Max and “hit him.” He declined to be interviewed by SPCA Inspectors.

The defendant refused to be interviewed by SPCA Inspectors who took Max into SPCA care where he received treatment for his injuries and was later adopted into a new loving home.

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.

“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.”