MEDIA RELEASE 24 APRIL 2013

Dog Abuse Leads to Neighbourhood Spat

In July 2012 Manuwera woman Kelly Leef should have thought twice before trying to drive her neighbour’s puppy off her property with a swift kick.

The kick broke the dog’s jaw and led to her partner being assaulted by the dog’s owner in retaliation. Things quickly escalated, the police were called, and Leef ended up in the Manukau District court today pleading guilty to ill-treating an animal under Section 29(a) of the Animal Welfare Act.

On the day after the incident, the dog – a 14-week-old, male, black, Labrador crossbreed puppy – was taken by an SPCA Inspector to an after-hours veterinarian for examination. 

The veterinarian found injuries indicative of blunt force trauma and signs of pain when the puppy’s mouth was examined. It was given pain relief and antibiotics, held overnight, and then transferred to SPCA Auckland for x-rays. The x-rays confirmed a fracture of the jaw and the puppy was prescribed pain relief and put on a soft food diet. The puppy was later returned its owners following treatment.

Leef was ordered to pay a fine of $1000 plus $527.85 reparations, and was disqualified from owning animals for 5 years.

“All of this drama could have been so easily avoided if everyone had taken a deep breath and done the right thing,” says SPCA Auckland CEO Christine Kalin.

“If a dog strays onto your property, don’t take it out on the dog – talk to your neighbour and try to sort out a solution face-to-face. If that doesn’t work, then call Auckland Council’s Animal Management Officers as a last resort.

“Physical abuse of animals – and humans – is never the right option and can result in serious consequences.”

To contact Auckland Council Animal Management concerning dog attacks, wandering stock, roaming dogs, lost and impounded animals, excessive barking and fouling, call (09) 301 0101.

IMAGE: X-ray photos showing the puppy's fractured jaw

ENDS

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