Northland man charged with cruelty to animals has been named

Two Northland pig dogs were burned alive after this Toyota Hilux utility vehicle was burned.

A 25-year-old Northland man charged with cruelty to an animal after two hunting dogs died in a burning vehicle has been named.

Waaka Moka, 25, appeared in the Kaitaia District Court today charged with arson, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and cruelty to an animal.

He was remanded in custody until April 5.

Family members took Moka to police last night.

After being interviewed he was charged with offences relating to the theft of a Toyota Hilux vehicle from Broadwood on Friday.

The ute was later set alight while two hunting dogs were in a dog box on the rear tray.

Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston said: "The Broadwood community will no doubt be reassured by the quick result in this case.

"Police take matters such as this very seriously and understand it is very upsetting for the not only the local community but the wider community too."

Cabinet Minister Shane Jones, who is based in Kerikeri, had called for the accused to be "named and shamed", describing the act behind the dogs' deaths as "horrible" and "despicable".