Given the nature of the reports, it was a "futile process" to challenge the findings, the lawyer said. On instruction from McDaniel, he entered not guilty pleas to charges of injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and wilful ill treatment of an animal.
On the basis of the reports, and the fact they were not challenged, Judge Brian Callaghan concluded that McDaniel was fit to stand trial.
While McDaniel did not consent to being remanded in custody, he is subject to compulsory assessment under section 30 of the Mental Health Act.
Judge Callaghan remanded in in custody to Hillmorton Hospital for him to be back in court for a case review hearing on August 10.
A father-of-two suffered head, shoulder and ankle injuries in the alleged road rage incident that claimed the life of the puppy.
McDaniel, in a 4WD vehicle, is alleged to have taken offence at being signalled by the man walking with his family that he was driving too fast and is accused of trying to knock him over.
To avoid being run down, the man "took evasive action", which included leaping a barbed wire fence - however police say he appeared to have been hit at least once.
Police claim the family's puppy was hit as the vehicle fled the scene and later had to be put down.
