Brutal killing

A supermarket stock filler has pleaded guilty to the brutal slaying of an 18-month-old Jack Russell terrier.

Robin Hurring, 19, admitted wilfully ill-treating the dog, named Diesel, by strangling him, pouring petrol down his throat and then, while he was still alive, hitting him on the head with a spade.

The Dunedin attack, which lasted more than half an hour, took place while a group of young children were present.

Hurring was convicted at Dunedin District Court by Judge John Macdonald and remanded for sentencing on June 23.

He faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison or a $50,000 fine, or both.

The incident happened at a house in Stenhope Cres, in the suburb of Concord, on February 1.

The SPCA was notified the next day by a teacher and a babysitter dealing with children distraught after the dog's killing.

SPCA counsel Kate Hay said Hurring was drinking with Diesel's owner at her house. Six children, aged 10 and 11, and two teens were also visiting.

During the afternoon, Diesel bit one of the children.

When the dog's owner said he needed to be put down, Hurring said he would do it and took Diesel to a garden shed.

The children left the property, but were aware the dog was about to be killed.

- OTAGO DAILY TIMES