Emaciated dog dies metres from farmhouse kitchen window

27 November 2007

Three members of the same family were each fined a total of $6250 in the Dannevirke District Court today for the ill-treatment of the dogs in their care. Each defended was also ordered to pay $750 solicitor costs, $139 court costs and James Livingstone was ordered to pay a further $213.80 for vet costs.

Ian, David, and James Livingstone pleaded guilty to five charges relating to the malnutrition, emaciation and flea infestation of their dogs, Spud, Joy, Bess, Tui and Jake.

The veterinarian who carried out the post mortem examination of Spud found him to be emaciated and weighing only about 50% of normal weight. His stomach was empty. No one in the family offered an explanation for why Spud had died.

A Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) Animal Welfare Investigator was called in to investigate after being alerted by an Animal Control Officer who had visited the Dannevirke property in April 2006. He found five dogs in a kennel area at the rear of the property, including Spud who was lying flat on the ground with little movement. Spud then went thru deaths throes and died while the Animal Control Officer was present. There was no water in Spud's container. The water in the other kennels was disgusting and filled with algae and there were large amounts of faeces on the floor.

When interviewed by the Animal Welfare Investigator, all three defendants were unable to account for the condition of Spud and the other dogs.

MAF Investigations Manager, Greg Reid, said that this was a shocking case of neglect.

"The dogs were in appalling state, emaciated with massive parasite burdens, and kept in absolutely disgusting conditions. Not one, but three people completely ignored the health and welfare needs of these animals resulting in one dog dying in plain view of the kitchen window. Their view that they hadn't done anything wrong shows a casual disregard for their obligations. It's pretty simple really – feed your dogs and monitor their condition and well being. There can be no excuse for cruelty of this nature and I am pleased this family is being held to account for their actions."

Media Contact:

• Greg Reid, Investigations Manager, MAF Biosecurity New Zealand
  Phone: 029-909 3544

Photos available on request.