A Te Awamutu man has been sentenced to 100 hours’ community work following the “gross neglect” of his dog, which was found emaciated, covered in skin wounds, and had chronic pain from untreated sceptic arthritis.
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The male black Labrador Retriever cross, Sole, was discovered at a home after a member of the public expressed concern for the dog in June 2023, the SPCA said today in a media release.
Sole was found leaning against the rear of the house non-weight bearing on one leg. He was underweight and had deep sore-like wounds.
The lab cross, who was not registered to the address, was taken for a veterinarian examination.
It was noted that Sole had a severe flea infestation, with fleas all over his body. He was also emaciated and had muscle wastage due to poor nutrition, and there was strong evidence of long-term self-trauma, and there were secondary infections with bacterial and yeast overgrowth on his skin.
Sole also had multiple skin wounds. Some were associated with pressure injuries from lying down, others were typical of trauma — including blunt force trauma.
In addition, the examination found chronic untreated sceptic arthritis had caused diminished function in Sole’s rear right leg, causing him chronic pain. He also had an untreated ulcer and joint infection in his left ankle.
The vet found that Sole was subjected to gross neglect. His chronic itchy dermatitis, septic arthritis, and emaciation could have been managed with proper vet care and nutritional intervention.
The examining vet notified the SPCA that Sole needed to be euthanised on humane grounds within 24 hours, concluding his suffering and pain were significant and that he would have been in severe discomfort for a three- to six-month period.
When contacted by the SPCA, Sole’s owner said due to working two jobs, the dog was being fed just once a day. He said while he had noticed Sole had been losing weight, he was unsure about how to help him.
He said he had tried to wash Sole’s sores, but did not seek help or advice. No treatment was sought for him.
Sole’s owner was today sentenced to 100 hours of community work and disqualified from owning animals for three years after pleading guilty to ill treatment of an animal.
He was also ordered to pay reparations of $651.50 to the SPCA, and a contribution of $250 towards legal fees.
“The chronic pain and miserable existence of this dog could have been addressed with proper nutrition and veterinary care,” SPCA chief executive Todd Westwood said.
“Animals deserve committed humans interested in their world and their wellbeing.”
Westwood said the hallmarks of Sole’s situation were familiar, with people “under pressure” and “trying to make ends meet”.
“Sadly, animals get drawn into that and we see this outcome all too often,” he said.
“A neglected animal is deeply affected by their environment, pain, and distress. Sole is sadly another who was left to become so woefully unwell that experts determined death was his only reprieve from suffering.”
