An abusive puppy owner was sentenced to five months home detention, followed by six months intensive supervision, in Hamilton District Court yesterday.

Milo, a black and white puppy, was attacked by his owner multiple times between 1 January and 7 February 2023. The abuse included kicking, hitting, and throwing Milo into a heavy timber frame. In a text message to his partner on 7 February the defendant wrote “Cum get dis dog I’ve nearly half killed him.”

That same day Police attended the offender’s address on an unrelated matter and found Milo at the rear of the property inside a make-shift wooden kennel. Milo was shaking, his tail was tucked, he was struggling to stand and put weight on his hind legs and blood was found on the wood where Milo was laying.

SPCA Inspectors removed Milo from the property and took him for veterinarian examination which revealed multiple injuries caused by external force trauma, some less than a week prior and others that had occurred approximately two weeks prior.

Milo’s ear lobe was missing a piece of skin, he had rib fractures, damage to his eyes, teeth, and evidence of a compressed spine making movement difficult and painful. His face was swollen, and he showed symptoms of considerable pain, fear, and suffering. Expert opinion concluded Milo’s welfare had been severely compromised.

In addition to inflicting the abuse, Milo’s owner failed to provide veterinary treatment for the injuries, which would have caused severe pain.

The offender declined to be interviewed but told SPCA Inspectors he was responsible for hurting his puppy and said it would be OK if he is banned from owning animals because he did not think he should have one now.

“Animals deserve respect and care, the opposite of what poor Milo was shown in the early months of his life,” says SPCA’s CEO Todd Westwood.

“Thankfully, Milo is no longer in this abusive environment. We are so pleased we were able to remove him when we did and ensure he made a full recovery. Milo has since been adopted and is loving life in his new home with someone who loves him, which is what he deserved all along.”

The offender pleaded guilty to a charge of reckless ill-treatment of an animal causing it to suffer injury or impairment and a charge of failing to ensure the animal received treatment to alleviate pain or distress.

He was also ordered to pay reparations of $682.63 and disqualified from owning animals for five years.

© Scoop Media