CRUELTY TO DOGS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 3876, 27 November 1928, Page 2

CRUELTY TO DOGS.

CONVICTION AT WANGANUI. Wanganui, Nov. 26. A sequel to the discovery of a dog farm in the lupins at Castlecliff was disclosed in the Magistrate’s Court to-day when George Atkinson was charged with permitting unnecessary cruelty and failing to provide adequate food and water for the animals. The evidence of the Government Veterinarian showed that seven dogs were iff fi bad way in various stages of distemper, and in two the teeth had dropped out. He ordered these to be destroyed. The shelter was inadequate, and a bitch with pups had no range in which to exercise owing to its chain being tangled in the lupins. Two dogs were confined in crates with no room to extend themselves, and wei'e savage and had been trying to eat their way out through the batons. S.P.C.A. Inspector Johnston said he destroyed eight dogs after telling Atkinson what he intended to do. The latter replied he would “fix” witness, and was very abusive. Portions of the carcasses of two dead dogs looked as if they had been eaten by other dogs. The defence was a denial of the allegations of cruelty, it being stated that the dogs were fed and watered daily, and that defendant had been treating them for the disease. ■ The Magistrate said he had no doubt that the dogs were suffering from distemper, but defendant did not realise it. Defendant was convicted and ordered to come up for (Sentence in a week’s time.