Dumped pup survives bin ordeal

Disgusted dog control staff are calling for the maximum penalty after a puppy was hit on the head and left for dead in a Motueka rubbish bin.

The puppy has since made a full recovery, but Tasman District Council dog control officer John Bergman described the case as "awful".

"Normally it's a case of neglect, but this is a deliberate way of trying to get rid of a dog and it's disgusting. "I've been involved with dogs for a long, long time and haven't struck this before.
"I'd like to take the person to task."

He added that if the culprit was found he would "absolutely" be pushing for the maximum penalty for mistreating an animal - either a $25,000 fine, up to six months in jail, or both. MORE>>