The SPCA has praised the speedy trial and sentencing of a Nelson man found guilty of beating his dog about the head with a hammer.
It hoped the case would send a strong message to people who treated animals cruelly, said the society's acting national chief executive, Jenny Prattley.
The Nelson District
Court this week banned Adam John May, 30, from owning another dog for five years. He was sentenced to 300 hours of community service and ordered to pay the SPCA $428 to cover veterinary bills.
He pleaded guilty to animal cruelty and possessing a knife.
Chopper, a staffordshire bull terrier, received more than 30 blows to the head in May's car on June 1, receiving skull and jaw injuries and broken teeth.
He has since been fostered out and is in good spirits, gaining 4kg since the attack, said the SPCA in Nelson.
A decision on adopting him out will be made when he has recovered further.
"There can be no excuses for this kind of wanton cruelty," Mrs Prattley said.
She praised the fact that justice was done so speedily, with the accused arrested, tried and sentenced within less than three weeks of committing the offence.
- NZPA
Herald Feature: Animal welfare
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