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Police say they’ve acted swiftly to protect three puppies after a man allegedly mistreated them near an Auckland train station.
The innocent puppies are now safe and receiving care at one of Auckland Council’s Animal Management shelters, police say.
Just before 7pm on Sunday, September 28, members of the public contacted police after seeing a man allegedly making threats to seriously harm the three puppies in his possession near Parnell Train Station.
“Police were alerted to a concerning situation where a man was reportedly threatening these young pups,” says senior sergeant Dave Plunkett, the acting Auckland Central Police area prevention manager.
“Camera operators tracking the incident on CCTV reportedly saw the man put the puppies into a bag and punch them.”
Police say officers intercepted the man on Cheshire Street and arrested him.
The puppies were taken into police care and transported safely to the Auckland City Police Hub.
“It’s senseless why someone would want to bring harm upon these young pups,” Plunkett says.
“I’d like to acknowledge those members of the public who called police immediately, allowing us to prevent further harm.”
The 44-year-old man has been charged with ill-treatment under the Animal Welfare Act and was due to appear in the Auckland District Court, police say.
The puppies, believed to be four to six months old and of Staffordshire Bull Terrier breed, appear to be bright and alert.
The council’s regional shelter manager, Nikki Cripps, says the incident is heartbreaking but, unfortunately, all too common.
“These puppies didn’t ask to be born, and they certainly didn’t deserve to end up in danger,” Cripps says.
“If people would simply desex their dogs, we wouldn’t see this endless cycle of unwanted litters and needless suffering.
“Dog ownership is not a casual commitment. It’s a serious lifelong responsibility.
“Registration, desexing, microchipping and proper care aren’t optional extras – they’re the bare minimum.
“If you can’t commit to those four things, then you should not have a dog.
“The cost of neglect isn’t just a bylaw breach – it’s terrified, vulnerable puppies paying the price.”
Cripps says the puppies’ future depends on factors including a temperament test typically conducted on day four to assess rehoming suitability, but is also limited by the shelter’s need to keep kennels available for incoming dogs.
