Man escapes jail for running down pets

Pet ducks were deliberately run down by a man after a dispute over a rental property, Christchurch District Court was told today.

Jan Pander, a 20-year-old truck driver, admitted killing the birds by running them down in a paddock.

Questioned by Judge Christopher Somerville, Pander said he was "absolutely sober" at the time.

He pleaded guilty to wilfully ill-treating the animals, and also wantonly and maliciously using a telephone to text an offensive message to the ducks' owners.

Judge Somerville warned Pander that he could sentenced to three years' jail for this offence.

Pander said he was sorry for running over the ducks and realised it was a stupid, foolish thing to do.

The judge ordered him to do 100 hours of community work and pay $100 for the dead and injured birds.

- NZPA