Pitbull-cross puppy killer jailed

Mathew Awhi George. Photo / APN

A Te Kuiti man who bludgeoned a six-month-old pitbull-cross puppy to death with a golf club has been sentenced to two years and four months.

Mathew Awhi George pleaded guilty in April to charges of willfully ill-treating an animal, possessing an offensive weapon and threatening behaviour.

His prison sentence on the three charges is to be served cumulatively.

George had told the court he killed the dog because it "bit the hand that fed him".

Police had arrived during the attack but George threatened them with an axe, a shovel and a steel bar during a stand-off lasting 35 minutes.

- NZ Herald staff