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Auckland SPCA says it is not surprised a woman accused of leaving her 11-month-old puppy to starve failed to appear in court to defend her actions.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Paulette Taki, 40, who was expected to appear in Auckland District Court this morning to face three animal cruelty charges.
The SPCA found a Staffordshire bull terrier locked underneath a Glen Innes house in the eastern suburbs on Christmas Eve.
The dog, known as Eve, looked like a carcass and apparently survived by eating her own faeces.
Taki faces charges including failing to provide Eve with protection from significant injury and disease.
Auckland SPCA general manager David Lloyd-Barker told NZPA he was not surprised at Taki's no-show.
"We were holding a sweep as to whether she would show up."
- NZPA