By JO-MARIE BROWN
The man accused by the SPCA of slashing the tops off a puppy's ears continues to deny any involvement.
Smokey, a 4-month-old pitbull terrier, was seized by the SPCA in July after its ears were found to be festering and bleeding.
Kelvin James Bonnar, 21, reappeared in the Rotorua District Court yesterday charged with ill-treating an animal and failing to provide veterinary treatment.
Prosecutor Bill Lawson said the SPCA was seeking forfeiture of the puppy, which has been recovering at a foster home, and reparation for treatment.
Bonnar's lawyer said that his client had owned Smokey only a short time before the puppy was seized and did not injure him.
Several witnesses will give evidence at a hearing next year. If found guilty, Bonnar could be banned from owning another pet.
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