A Christchurch man who allegedly padlocked a dog to his mobility scooter and dragged him along until his paws bled is to appear in court this week charged with animal cruelty.
The man, believed to be in his 50s, was stopped by concerned New Brighton residents who saw the dog gagging as it struggled to keep up with the speeding scooter, The Sunday Star-Times reported.
One witness, along with another couple, chased the scooter-driver in her car until he was forced to stop.
Despite their pleas, the man refused to unchain the dog.
SPCA Christchurch centre manager Geoff Sutton said the animal was in a lot of pain. It had been treated by vets at the centre and would remain there while its future was determined.
Mr Sutton said the SPCA would have prosecuted the owner if police had not already laid charges.
The cruelty was "at the higher level of offending", he said.
The man is due to appear in Christchurch District Court on Tuesday.
- NZPA
Man allegedly dragged dog behind scooter
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