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Animal control officers, sickened by the cruelty to a dog in west Auckland, want the owner banned from owning animals.
The mastiff-labrador cross, called Bobbie, was seized by Waitakere City Council and put up for adoption after it was found in a "horrific state" with its mouth taped shut.
It had scars on its mouth from previous tapings and damage to its legs from hobbles.
The dog needed surgery to remove damaged tissue and part of its tongue.
Waitakere City Council animal welfare manager, Neil Wells, said today the owner would be prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act and the council would ask for a ban on owning animals.
"In a case like this we will be seeking disqualification and a fairly heavy penalty."
Bobby was found in the west Auckland suburb of Massey.
Because its mouth was taped up it could not drink or pant and cool itself down.
"It was initially difficult to tell what breed it is because its face was so disfigured," Mr Wells said.
He said the dog was initially distrusting, particularly of adult males, but had since settled down and accepted its new carers.
Bobbie had a lovely nature, despite its ordeal, he said.
- NZPA
