Owner fined for starving and dumping dog

Fines totalling $3800 for starving and dumping a dog on a snowy night have been imposed in a case described by counsel for the SPCA as "at the extreme end of appalling animal treatment".

Lawyer Richard Raymond said: "A message needs to be sent with a stern fine, and for the court to give some teeth to the legislation and send a signal to bring home to this offender that it is simply unacceptable conduct."

A veterinarian said the dobermann, Sheba, was within a week or two of death when it was found.

Rodney John Burt, a 50-year-old builder's labourer from Christchurch, today pleaded guilty in Christchurch District Court to charges that as the owner of the dog he failed to provide for its health and behavioural needs, and deserted the animal. MORE>>

Apparently he left his dog with family or friends, with food while he was gone. He came back and they starved him! Pick your dog sitters carefully!