Dog neglected, suffering from mange
Hamilton, WA (NZ)

Incident Date: Saturday, Sep 30, 2006

Disposition: Convicted

Defendant/Suspect: Judith Sweet

A Hamilton woman has been given 60 hours' community work after the SPCA found a six-month-old sharpei cross suffering from mange and cowering behind a toilet at her home.

Judith Sweet was sentenced on Jan 15, 2007 in the Hamilton District Court after admitting four charges, including two of ill-treatment of the animal.

Lawyer Joe Hamblet told Judge David Saunders that Sweet was looking after the dog for someone. When she realised it was sick she was going to take it to the SPCA but did not have a car. She could not afford to take it to the vet.

The judge said the abuse and neglect of animals was "secondary only to abuse and neglect of children". Sweet was also ordered to pay reparation of $855, to be deducted from her benefit.

References

• Stuff.Co.Nz - Jan 16, 2007

Note: Classifications and other fields should not be used to determine what specific charges the suspect is facing or was convicted of - they are for research and statistical purposes only. The case report and subsequent updates outline the specific charges. Charges referenced in the original case report may be modified throughout the course of the investigation or trial, so case updates, when available, should always be considered the most accurate reflection of charges.

For more information regarding classifications and usage of this database, please visit the database notes and disclaimer.