A Gisborne man has been jailed for bashing his dog with a hammer, before tying up and leaving it to die.
James Tuari, 48, was sentenced at the Gisborne District Court to nine months in prison, disqualified from owning a dog for 10 years, and ordered to pay reparations after pleading guilty to a charge relating to the wilful treatment of an animal.
In January, two SPCA officers visited Tuari's property after receiving a call about an injured dog from his neighbour. On arrival the officers found the dog tied up near a garage where blood was visible on the wall, and a plastic container filled of stagnant green water sitting on the ground for the dog to drink.
The dog, named Brownie, had become thin and had two wounds on her head, which were infested with maggots. The officers also found she was severely dehydrated.
Tuari claimed he had been told to "get rid of" the dog by a family member, and struck it over the head a three times with a hammer until it had collapsed. The dog was left alone in pain, while the maggots attacked her head wounds.
Brownie had to be euthanised after a veterinarian regarded her outlook as "hopeless", and she was in too much pain and suffering to continue living.
SPCA acting chief executive Andrea Midgen says the incident reinforces their message around pet ownership.
"Brownie's suffering was completely unnecessary. When you have the privilege of owning an animal, it is your responsibility to care for them for their whole life - not just when it suits you."
Newshub.
