Woman sentenced after severe neglect of dog results in euthanasia

The woman was sentenced to six months home detention in the Pukekohe District Court yesterday (19 March) on charges of failing to provide proper and sufficient food to an animal and failing to provide treatment to an injured animal.

In September 2024, an SPCA Inspector attended an Auckland property after receiving a call of concern about a dog named Brock.

The white and tan male crossbreed was tethered to a railing by a large chain which was embedded in his neck. Brock was extremely thin, with his ribs, hips and spine showing through his skin. He had no access to drinking water or adequate shelter, and there was a large accumulation of faeces in his living area.

The Inspector removed Brock from the property and took him for veterinary examination which revealed extreme emaciation, with no body fat to be seen, along with little muscle mass.

The heavy chain was embedded on top of and underneath his neck and Brock had to be sedated for the chain to be surgically removed.

All the areas where the chain was embedded in Brock’s neck were inflamed and there was significant thickening of the skin around the latch, indicating the chain had been entrenched in his neck for some time. Brock also required a second surgery to remove the affected area on his neck.

The veterinarian concluded Brock would have also suffered unreasonable and unnecessary long-term severe pain and distress due to both the collar wound and lack of food. Two veterinarians concluded that Brock’s suffering would have lasted between three to six months.

His extremely poor body condition and severe collar wound would have been clearly visible to anyone from a distance.

When spoken to by SPCA, the defendant said Brock belonged to somebody else who had moved from the property at the beginning of the year but provided no further information. She also told SPCA she had recently been away from the property and that her friends and family had been caring for Brock while she was gone.

Ownership of Brock was surrendered to SPCA, but due to behavioural issues, SPCA teams had to make a heartbreaking decision to humanely euthanise Brock.

SPCA CEO Todd Westwood says Brock deserved a better life than one on a chain.

“Heartbreaking is the word I would use to describe this situation. What is hard to imagine is Brock’s condition was obviously noticeable to those charged with his care, and they did nothing. Brock suffered from serious neglect for months, and if cared for properly, his outcome could have been very different. It is least heartwarming to know Brock’s last moments were with people who cared. He was treated and fed and was in a place of safety and love.

“If owners are struggling to care for their pets, SPCA is here to help whether it be food or medical care. We know times are tough for many, but our teams will always help where they can.”

The woman was also disqualified from owning animals for five years, and ordered to pay legal fees of $250 and $500 towards reparations.