'Bring it on' - shot dogs' owner welcomes jury trial

Photo / NZPA

A man whose 33 dogs were allegedly shot by two men north of Auckland in January says he's looking forward to seeing the men face charges before a jury.

Russell Mendoza and Tony Campbell both elected to be tried by jury when they appeared in Warkworth District Court today on the animal cruelty and firearms charges they face.

They were charged after allegedly shooting the dogs at the rural property in Wellsford, northwest of Warkworth, of Rowan Hargreaves following a row between Mr Hargreaves and Mendoza.

Mr Hargreaves said outside court that he was glad to see the men in court today, which he said was the first time he'd seen them face to face since the alleged incident.

He said "bring it on" when asked how he felt about the men choosing a jury trial, saying the truth would come out in court.

Mendoza and Campbell face charges of wilful ill-treatment of an animal, and alternative charges of ill-treatment of an animal laid by the SPCA under the Animal Welfare Act.

The charges, which carry a maximum sentence of three years imprisonment, were laid after the SPCA said seven of the dogs died a slow and painful death after allegedly being shot with a shotgun and a .22 calibre rifle.

They also face charges laid by police of reckless use of a firearm, an offence which has penalties of up to three years in prison, a $4000 fine or both.

Mendoza also faces a charge of possession of a firearm without a licence, for which the maximum penalty is three months imprisonment, a $1000 fine or both.

Lawyers for both men indicated they would fight the charges laid against them.

News photographers were allowed to take pictures of the accused in court today provided the men's faces were pixellated.

The accused were remanded at large and will reappear at North Shore District Court later this month for a pre-committal hearing.

- NZPA