Abused dog Eve's owner faces cruelty charges

PAULETTE TAKI

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THE owner of emaciated puppy Eve is to be charged with three counts of animal cruelty.

The charges against Glen Innes woman Paulette Taki were laid by the SPCA at the Auckland District Court last week.

SPCA general manager David Lloyd-Barker, who is awaiting a date for a court hearing, told Sunday News: "She'll be charged with three counts under the animal welfare act ... ill treating an animal; failing to provide an animal with protection from any significant injury or disease, and failing to provide an animal with sufficient food and water."

Eve's story shocked Sunday News readers when it was revealed the 11-month-old Ridgeback cross had been rescued from Taki's home by SPCA officers on Christmas Eve.

The pup, believed left alone for about five weeks, could barely stand and every bone in her skeletal 10 kg frame was visible.

The SPCA has been trying to speak to Taki since, but despite failing to make contact, has decided to press ahead with charges.

"She's still the person in charge as far as we are concerned," Lloyd-Barker added.

When Sunday News tracked Taki down to a relative's home in Katikati, north of Tauranga, she denied responsibility for the pup's poor condition, saying she had left Eve in the care of a family member while she visited a sick aunt.

She also said she would return to Auckland to talk to the SPCA and "sort it out".

But Lloyd-Barker told Sunday News Taki was not at home when officers visited to discuss the matter and she had not responded to letters.

Once a court date has been set, Lloyd-Barker said they will return to her Glen Innes house in a bid to serve a summons.

Taki told Sunday News to "get lost" when approached for comment on Friday.

- © Fairfax NZ News