13th June 2007

Crayfish Case First For SPCA

A joint prosecution by Auckland SPCA and the Environmental Health Department of Auckland City Council has sent a clear message to restaurant owners Auckland wide.

ON 12TH June 2007 at Auckland District Court, David Li, formerly the manager of the Imperial Sichuan Restaurant in Parnell, Auckland pleaded guilty to 2 charges under the Animal Welfare Act and 3 charges laid by Auckland City Council.

Mr Li was found to have 39 crayfish in a tank that was approximately 20 times more toxic than normal and that was subsequently causing the death of these crustaceans that were being sold to the patrons of the restaurant.

SPCA Inspectors instructed Mr Li to rectify the situation but he failed to do so and hence the charges were brought.

Mr Li was fined a total of $5230 in relation to all the charges with $2090 to be paid to Auckland SPCA in fines and reparations.

Inspector Victoria Border who led the investigation stated “This is a test case for the SPCA and has sent a clear message that the Auckland SPCA will not tolerate cruelty to animals in any form”

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