Police have charged a 25-year-old Northland man with cruelty to an animal, following the death of two hunting dogs over the weekend.
- Northland thieves set fire to stolen ute with dogs trapped inside
- Third dog poisoned after two burnt alive, Northland owner says
Thieves stole a Toyota Hilux from Chad and Theo Scrivener after the brothers briefly left their Broadwood property on Friday night. Three pig dogs were sleeping in dog boxes in the rear of the vehicle.
After crashing the ute into a nearby paddock, the thieves set fire to the vehicle while two of the dogs remained trapped inside.
Police say the alleged culprit was brought into the Kaitaia Police station on Monday night by family members.
After an interview with local detectives, he was charged with a number of offences including Cruelty to an Animal, Arson and Unlawful Taking of a Motor Vehicle.
"The Broadwood community will no doubt be reassured by the quick result in this case," says Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston.
"Police take matters such as this very seriously and understand it is very upsetting for not only the local community but the wider community too."
The man is due to appear in Kaitaia District Court later on Tuesday.
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