Accused dog thief tries disguise ploy

A man accused of using an old dog as dog-fighting bait swapped into a woman's clothes to escape being unmasked outside court.

William Kain Campbell, 25, of Titahi Bay, appeared in Porirua District Court yesterday on 16 charges relating to the Easter Monday mauling of a 14-year-old ridgeback cross named Lincoln.

The dog was stolen and used as bait for two other dogs in a fight, which left him terrified and with serious bite wounds.

During yesterday's appearance, Campbell flashed media a grin as he asked them: "Are you all here to see that William Campbell fella?"

He was remanded on bail to reappear on July 1 and indicated he would plead not guilty to all charges.

Campbell loitered in the court's waiting area for an hour as he waited for photographers outside to leave.

After being told to leave by police, he swapped clothes with a female friend and slipped out of court, disguised in a hoodie and sunglasses.

When media moved toward the female wearing Campbell's clothes, she taunted them as she revealed the trick.

The charges against Campbell were laid under the Animal Welfare Act and included failing to ensure his own dog named Dukes received proper care after being injured.

As part of his bail conditions, Campbell was banned from possessing or having a dog under his control.

He was ordered to report weekly to police and barred from contacting the complainants.

CHARGES

The 16 court charges that William Campbell faces:

-Stealing a 14-year-old ridgeback-cross named Lincoln, valued at $200.

-Transporting his dog Dukes for the purposes of having it participate in animal fighting.

-Failing to ensure Dukes received proper protection and rapid diagnosis of any significant injury.

-Failing to ensure Lincoln received proper protection and rapid diagnosis of any significant injury.

-Was present for the purposes of witnessing the fighting or baiting of an animal, namely Lincoln.

-Encouraging and assisting a dog fight.

-Knowingly training an animal for the purposes of dog fighting.

-Confining or transporting an animal in a manner likely to cause it distress.

-Owning Dukes for the purposes of an animal-fighting venture.

-Failing to ensure Dukes received treatment to alleviate unnecessary pain and distress.

-Deserting Lincoln with no provision made to meet the dog's physical needs.

-Ill-treating Lincoln.

-Ill-treating Dukes.

-Using a place, namely Whitireia Park, for dog fighting.

-Possessing Lincoln for the purposes of an animal-fighting venture.

-Failing to comply with the Animal Welfare Act by ensuring a rapid diagnosis of any significant injury and disease.

- © Fairfax NZ News