DOG’S TAIL CUT OFF.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 5127, 18 May 1927, Page 2

DOG’S TAIL CUT OFF.

FARMER AWARDED DAMAGES.

FORMER MANAGER TO PAY.

HAMILTON, May 17.

An unusual claim was heard in the Hamilton Magistrate’s Court to-day tvhen Bruce Johnston (Mr F. Swarbr.ick), farmer, of Taupiri, claimed £2O from John Anderson (Mr N. Johnson), who formerly acted as plaintiff’s farm manager.

Plaintiff stated that he bought a collie dog and forbade. Anderson to work it on the farm. On returning after* an absence of several "days, he found that the dog’s tail had been cut off, close to the body. The dog’s appearance was completely marred, and the animal was spoiled for work, the loss of its tail affecting its balance. Ahdei’son’s explanation, plaintiff stated, was that he had cut the tail off because the dog was too slow in turning.

In evidence defendant said he had ncked the tail accidentally in freeing it from a barbed wire fence and the dog then twisted and broke the tail. The magistrate, Mr Wyvern Wilson, said he did not believe defendant’s story and awarded plaintiff £lO damages, with £7 9s costs.