Rescuer hides puppy from beating

Kaikohe District Court

A puppy that was "screaming in pain" as it was being kicked down a Bay of Islands road was saved by a passerby who grabbed it and hid it from its abusive owner.

The incident occurred in Russell about 2pm on Sunday when a member of the public witnessed a man kicking and throwing a puppy along the road.

Sergeant Ross Laurie, of Mid North police, said the witness managed to grab the puppy and hide it from the alleged offender.

The witness then called police while two colleagues kept an eye on the man as he searched for the puppy. They pointed out the man when police arrived.

The 28 year old from Whanganui was arrested and charged with cruelty to an animal. He had arrived with the puppy on the ferry from Paihia earlier in the day.

He has been summonsed to appear in the Kaikohe District Court. The date is not yet known.

The witness reported the puppy was "screaming in pain" as it was kicked down the road, Mr Laurie said.

The puppy is understood to be in the care of the SPCA while it recovers and a new home is sought.

In July a Kaikohe man was jailed for more than two years after bashing a five-month-old puppy on the head with a hammer. Hanuere Paul Witehira was charged with wilfully ill-treating an animal, drink driving and driving while disqualified.

Earlier that month he had arrived home after drinking, and, upset because he couldn't get what he wanted for lunch, hit his son's five-month-old puppy eight times on the head. Its injuries were so severe it had to be put down.