A woman is facing animal welfare charges after allegedly docking the tails of five jack russell terrier puppies with a hot knife.

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Canterbury manager Geoff Sutton said the 27-year-old had been charged with carrying out a surgical procedure that caused unnecessary and unreasonable pain or distress.

"The SPCA believes the tails were simply cut off with a heated knife," he said.

It is alleged no antibiotics or pain relief was administered to the puppies, which were only a couple of days old at the time, he said.

A 42-year-old man, who owns the puppies, has been charged with aiding and abetting.

The charges have been brought by the SPCA.

Both charges carry a potential penalty of up to 12 months in prison, up to a $50,000 fine, or both, Sutton said.

He said the SPCA was notified by a member of the public who heard about the alleged incident, which occurred at a Springfield property in July.

The puppies and their mother were confiscated by the SPCA two days later and underwent a vet inspection.

The puppies were treated with antibiotics and pain relief, and then returned to the owner, Sutton said.

"The SPCA saw no reason to withhold the possession of the dogs once they had been treated by a veterinarian." 

He said the puppies were doing well now.

New Zealand Veterinary Association spokesman Wayne Ricketts said the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee's code of welfare for dogs stated tails could be removed by using an elastic band up to the age of four days old. This cut off the blood supply resulting in the tail dying and dropping off.

He said this should only be performed by a "competent" person, trained and accredited through the Tail Dockers Scheme run by the New Zealand Kennel Club.

After four days, the puppy would have to have its tail surgically removed by a vet for welfare reasons only, not cosmetic, Ricketts said. They could also be removed at any stage by a vet to treat injury or disease.

The pair are to appear in the Christchurch District Court on September 27.

A 71-year-old Ashburton man will appear in court the same day charged with failing to seek treatment or mitigate the suffering of a calf that was so ill it was unable to get up. The incident allegedly occurred in June, at a Barters Rd property, in Templeton.

The calf was euthanised by the SPCA.

- The Press

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