16 May 2016

PRESS RELEASE

Man accused of starving dog has conviction overturned by High Court

On 3 February 2016 Mr Terepai Noel Teremoana was sentenced to four months imprisonment after he was found guilty by the Manukau District Court of recklessly ill-treating an animal with the result that the animal was seriously injured or impaired.

On 20 April 2016 Justice Davison quashed Mr Teremoana’s conviction.

Justice Davison disagreed with the District Court Judge who had preferred the evidence of two SPCA witnesses over Mr Teremoana, and said there was doubt over their credibility and reliability.

Justice Davison agreed with Mr Teremoana’s lawyer Daniel Schellenberg that there was no clear arrangement for Mr Teremoana to take over the care of Psyko (reported as Ben) when his owner left the property and he was not liable for the animal's care.

Mr Teremoana did not know the dog remained at the property and was never responsible for him.

Mr Teremoana is relieved that his name has been cleared and that he can put this matter behind him.

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