SPCA TO LAY CHARGES FOR WELLSFORD DOG KILLING

5 February 2010

The Auckland SPCA announced today that it will proceed with charges in respect of the 33 dogs shot in what has been described as a ‘frenzied attack’ on a property near Wellsford on Monday, 25th January 2010.

This move follows an intensive investigation by SPCA Inspectors, including forensic and necropsy reports, together with interviews with witnesses to the event. “It is clear from these investigations that a number of the dogs suffered considerable pain and distress in their execution”, said Bob Kerridge, Executive Director of the SPCA in Auckland. “Charges must be brought as we simply cannot tolerate the killing of animals in this fashion”, he said.

The exact nature of the charges and the person or persons to be charged will be disclosed after the charges are filed with the Court. The Society is utilising its recently established pro-bono panel of prosecutors which will include assistance from the legal firm of Russell McVeagh, with John Haigh QC leading the prosecution team.

“There has been considerable public speculation in this high profile case”, said Bob Kerridge. “The Society has not focussed on the events that triggered the shooting of the dogs, neither is it concerned with the views expressed relating to the owner of the dogs. Our concern is the manner in which these animals were killed, and the suffering they endured in the process”, he said.

CONTACT OVER THE CONTENTS OF THIS MEDIA RELEASE MAY BE MADE WITH:

Bob Kerridge, Executive Director, SPCA Auckland, PO Box 43221, Mangere
Telephone: (bus.) (dd) (09) 256-7306
Fax: (09) 256-7314
Email: bob.kerridge@spca.org.nz

 

Garth Halliday, Chief Executive Officer, SPCA Auckland, PO Box 43221, Mangere
Telephone: (bus.) (dd) (09) 256-2528
Fax: (09) 256-7314
Email: garth.halliday@spca.org.nz