NO GROOMING FOR 2 YEARS

31st July 2008

In April 2008, SPCA Inspector Vicki Border attended a house on Great South Road, Drury, Auckland. When she arrived she found a 12 year old Rough Coated Collie dog whose coat was so matted that when the dog was removed to the SPCA for treatment the professional groomer stated that the dog had not been brushed for 2 years.

In addition the dog was unable to clean itself and as a result was covered in encrusted faeces and stank of urine. The dog was found to have 15 teeth that were rotten and needed removal.

The owner Mr Kerkhoven when he was interviewed at Auckland SPCA stated that he did not think that the dog was in any discomfort and that he had no excuse for not grooming the dog.

At Papakura District Court Mr Kerkhoven pleaded guilty to 3 counts under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 being Failure to comply with his obligations to provide adequate shelter, failing to provide treatment and ill treatment of the dog.

He was disqualified from owning or being in charge of any animal for 18 months, fined a total of $450 and ordered to pay reparations of $1,270.72.

Inspector Border said,” It was good that the courts acknowledge that the condition of this dog was worthy of a substantial fine and disqualification”

For further information please contact:

David Lloyd-Barker
Auckland SPCA General Manager
Tel: (09) 256 7311
Mob: 027 278 0904
Email: david.lloyd-barker@spca.org.nz

Vicki Border 027 2780 911

This media release is issued with approval of the Chief Executive of the Auckland SPCA.  For further information regarding this or any other policy matters please contact:

Bob Kerridge, Chief Executive
Auckland SPCA
DDI: (09) 256 7306
Mob: 0274 959 449
A/Hr: (09) 528 9940
Email: bob.kerridge@spca.org.nz