Man in court accused of using old dog for bait

A 25-year-old process worker has indicated he will plead not guilty to animal cruelty charges he faces after allegedly using an ageing dog as bait in a dog fight.

William Kain Campbell, from Porirua, faced 16 charges in Porirua District Court today after being arrested for allegedly stealing a 14-year-old ridgeback-cross last week.

The dog, named Lincoln, suffered serious injuries after being mauled by pit-bulls.

The charges Campbell faced today related to stealing a dog, animal fighting, not providing treatment for injuries suffered by the dogs and training a dog specifically for fighting purposes.

Campbell is due to reappear in court on July 1 for a status hearing.

- NZPA