Man fails to appear over dog dragging

A Christchurch invalid has failed to appear at court to face a charge of ill-treating a dog he had allegedly dragged behind his mobility scooter.

The 69-year-old was due to appear before a registrar in Christchurch District Court this morning, but by 1.45pm he had failed to turn up and a warrant for his arrest was issued, the Christchurch Court News website reported.

Police had charged the man with ill-treating the dog after an incident on November 15. Concerned residents said they forced the man to stop his scooter after seeing the dog was stressed and bleeding after being towed on a chain at speed.

The dog was given medical treatment and is being held by the SPCA until the court case is resolved.

- NZPA