Man who beat puppy in court

Photo / Thinkstock

A man has been banned from owning animals for two years after he repeatedly threw a puppy against a wall.

Rotorua sawmill worker Edward Terrence Hulton, 35, appeared in Rotorua District Court yesterday and pleaded guilty to a charge of ill-treating his partner's young puppy on December 13 last year.

Hulton also pleaded guilty to a charge of failing to ensure the physical health and behavioural needs of the puppy were met.

Judge Russell Callander banned Hulton from owning an animal for two years and ordered him to pay a $500 fine and $132 court costs which would go to the SPCA. Hulton was also ordered to pay $258 reparation to SPCA.

Rotorua SPCA animal welfare inspector Andy Hope told the court that Hulton was seen dragging the puppy named Diamond - a bulldog cross - by the chain to a shed.

A person saw Hulton throw Diamond into the shed and heard the puppy hit the wall. The puppy was yelping and crying. The witness heard 10 bangs and believed the animal was being thrown against the wall as with each loud bang the animal let out a cry or a yelp.

Hulton left the shed and the witness called SPCA.

The witness saw the puppy was still alive, sitting in the corner of garden shaking and licking its back leg. Hulton then picked it up by the scruff of its neck before repeatedly slapping the dog in the face.

Hulton initially told an SPCA inspector that bikes in the shed had fallen on the puppy and he had gone to untangle her.

The inspector found the bikes all stacked against the walls of the shed.

A vet found the puppy had serious eye and face injuries.

Yesterday in court Judge Callander said it was still not clear why Hulton had done what he had done.

Hulton told the judge the dog had bit his daughter and he whacked her away into the garage and the bikes fell on her.

Hulton's lawyer Nicky Scott said Hulton had three children including a newborn.

There were no words to explain Hulton's actions and he was deeply remorseful. He had pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

Judge Callander said the offences were serious and Hulton should not have a dog if he could not look after or train it properly.