The puppies were seized and a vet concluded that the puppies had tails that were amputated near the base.
In October 2018, new animal welfare regulations came into effect banning tail docking, unless performed by a vet or student vet under supervision.
SPCA CEO Andrea Midgen said tail docking is out of step with modern times, as is changing the body of an animal for cosmetic reasons or human preferences.
"Tail docking is a surgical procedure that should only be carried out if a dog's tail is damaged in some way, and the dog must be provided pain relief.
"While tail docking regulations came into effect almost two years ago, SPCA is concerned to see that people are still carrying out this illegal practice."
When interviewed, the defendant admitted he docked the tails when the puppies were two-days-old, and that he had used forceps and scissors.
He said he had not given the puppies any pain relief at the time of the procedure because he didn't think the puppies experienced any pain.
When asked why he had docked the tails, he stated he believed short tails looked beautiful.
He also admitted he had docked tails before when he lived overseas and he was unaware tail docking was prohibited in New Zealand.
"This case highlights the dangerous ignorance of people who are performing home procedures on innocent animals. The defendant pleaded ignorance to this regulation, which quite frankly is unacceptable," Midgen said.
