Owner wants justice

DOG DAY: Rowan Hargreaves, second from left, and Richard Hawkings are flanked by Shaughan Campbell, left, and Craig Dunn, supporters of animal rights group Paw Justice.

MEDIA PACK: Rowan Hargreaves talks to media outside the Warkworth District Court. ‘‘I’m not walking away from this,’’ he said. ‘‘I want justice for my animals. Bring it on.’’

TOWN SPLIT: This has divided the town of Wellsford, Mr Hargreaves’ friend Richard Hawkings told reporters outside the Warkworth District Court.

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TWO Wellsford men will defend various charges after the shooting of 33 dogs and puppies on Rowan Hargreaves' Wellsford property in January.

Russell Mendoza and Tony "Tussock" Campbell appeared briefly in the tiny Warkworth District Court on Tuesday, bursting at the seams with media.

High-profile lawyer John Haigh QC represented the SPCA which is bringing 13 charges mainly alleging ill treatment of animals, while police have also laid firearms charges.

The charges relate to the killing of Mr Hargreaves' dogs after the death of neighbour Mr Mendoza's pet dog.

Mr Hargreaves also attended the court session and said outside the court the truth would be heard later. "I want justice for my animals," he said. "Bring it on."

Friend Richard Hawkings said the incident had divided Wellsford.

Proceedings were adjourned until May 25 in the North Shore District Court for a pre-committal hearing after the two men pleaded not guilty and elected for a judge and jury trial.

Animal rights representatives at the Warkworth hearing said they will attend the North Shore hearing as well.

SPCA chief executive Garth Halliday says he is pleased with the standard of evidence to be presented.

Mr Hargreaves said he had one three-month-old puppy left called Chicken, because it loved eating chicken.

- © Fairfax NZ News