'Exhausted dog' left tied up near roadside

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A man who planned to walk with his dog more than 600km from Nelson to Rotorua has faced criminal charges after dumping the pet when it became exhausted.

Rotorua's Maz Levi Tyson, 29, appeared in Rotorua District Court after pleading guilty to a charge of deserting an animal in circumstances in which no provision was made to meet its physical, health and behavioural needs.

Judge James Weir gave Tyson a six-month suspended sentence.

Tyson told a Rotorua SPCA animal welfare inspector he had been asked to leave the Nelson property in which he had been living on July 26 last year.

He then walked with his 3-year-old dog Taz, a huntaway cross, to Picton, arriving on July 29. He and Taz boarded the ferry to Wellington the next day.

On July 31 Tyson tried to hitch a ride out of Wellington. After several hours, he decided he would leave Taz on the side of the road. He took the dog's collar off and let him go but Taz did not move from his side.

Tyson said he decided he would tie the dog to a tree along a walkway just off the main highway. Taz was given the last of the dog roll and water Tyson had with him.

Tyson then went back to the road and and hitched a ride 10 minutes later. He did not contact the SPCA, animal control or the police for assistance.

A member of the public found Taz about an hour later and called animal control in Porirua.

When interviewed by a Rotorua SPCA animal welfare inspector, Tyson said Taz was his best friend and they had a strong bond. He admitted he knew what he had done was wrong.

His lawyer Alastair Burns said Taz was exhausted and Tyson had tried to find people to look after the dog.

Tyson told the court he tied up his dog in a place where he knew the animal would be found.

"I knew he would be picked up. It was the last option I had ... My dog and I were best friends. I regret doing it."

Tyson asked what had happened to Taz and Rotorua SPCA animal welfare inspector Andy Hope said he was not sure.

Mr Hope told The Daily Post he had since confirmed a home could not be found for Taz and that he had to be put down.

Rotorua District Council animal control supervisor Kevin Coutts said there was no excuse for leaving a dog: "You do not leave a dog. There is an animal control office or SPCA, if push comes to shove, who will take a dog."