Jail Time Ahead For Puppy Basher's Cruel Attack

[Mila's Mum]

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/4137...rs-cruel-attack

A Waitara man who admitted bashing a puppy so badly it needed a leg amputated will be jailed for his cruelty.

New Plymouth District Court heard yesterday that Kereama Joseph Phillips, 33, had been arguing with his girlfriend and in his anger attacked the puppy with a metre-long piece of steel reinforcing rod.

The badly hurt puppy was taken into the care of the SPCA after the attack but vets were unable to save its severely damaged front right leg.

The story hit a note with readers across the country and the SPCA has since been overwhelmed with people wanting to adopt the six-month-old border collie cross.

Phillips, 33, pleaded guilty to one charge of ill-treating the puppy, causing it to be seriously injured on August 22. The court heard how police arrived at Phillips' home after being alerted by alarmed neighbours who witnessed the incident.

Phillips had earlier fought with his girlfriend and was angered with what she said to him. In his fury, he had gone outside and attacked the dog, smashing it at least twice over its shoulders with the iron rod.

When police arrived, Phillips admitted hitting the pup but did not know how many times. When asked why he did it, he replied, "because the dog was a mutt".

Police prosecutor Lewis Sutton called for reparation of $840 to pay for the vets' bills and asked that Phillips not be allowed to own a dog.

Phillips' defence counsel, Grant Vosseler, said his client did not oppose the order.

Mr Vosseler said Phillips had significant health problems, including addictions, and would be aided by anger management and relationship counselling to help avoid future offending.

Phillips had not previously appeared before the court. He was deeply remorseful for his momentary act of stupidity, Mr Vosseler said.

He asked that his client be allowed out on bail under strict conditions at his parents' home prior to sentencing. His parents were in court to support him.

Judge Allan Roberts told Mr Vosseler his client was being remanded in custody prior to sentencing.

"He's going to jail for this," Judge Roberts said.

He called for a full pre-sentence report covering all options, remanding Phillips in custody until November 3 for sentencing.

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Families line up for pup

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/4133469/Fa...line-up-for-pup

Families from all over New Zealand have offered to adopt Jimmy, the brave bearded-collie cross puppy which had a leg amputated after being attacked with an iron bar last month.

SPCA area manager Andrea Collins said the response to Jimmy's plight had been overwhelming since the story of the attack ran in the Taranaki Daily News and was posted online.

"We have had over 20 people wanting to adopt Jimmy after reading the story on Stuff and inquires have come from as far as Auckland to Oamaru," Mrs Collins said.

It has been just over two weeks since the attack left Jimmy needing his front right leg amputated and the six-month-old pup is now hopping along without any problems.

Shelter manager Vanessa Gee is pleased with how quickly Jimmy's wound has healed.

"It's been a remarkable recovery. He's just full of life and he clearly loves people and other dogs too, despite what he has been through," Mrs Gee said.

SPCA staff are going through the candidates to find him the most suitable home.

Mrs Collins said they needed to take into account whether the family could give him lots of attention and whether there were other dogs he could play with.

"We are looking for a fenced section as well. He is a working breed of dog so naturally he will want to chase sheep which could be an issue for neighbours," Mrs Collins said.

Jimmy's operation cost more than $800 and the public is welcome to donate to the puppy's cause by contacting the SPCA on 06 758 2053.

Kereama Phillips, a 33-year-old Waitara man will reappear in the New Plymouth District Court today to face charges related to Jimmy.

Edited September 16, 2010 by Mila's Mum

[spottychick]

I hope he gets a decent sentence! Another coward.

[sumosmum]

I like the Judges comment, "He's going to jail for this". Should be more of it. I'm sure it would deter at least some of these aholes from attacking innocent dogs, and help them control their temper tantrums.

I hope he gets a good amount of time inside!

That poor poor dog. These sort of crimes seem to happen so much now. Good luck Jimmy, I hope you get a loving family, and live a long and happy life.

[poodlefan]

Good.

I hope his cell mate is a 6'4" Hells Angel with anger managemet issues and Chihuahua named Muffy at home.

[raz]

I hope his cell mate is a 6'4" Hells Angel with anger managemet issues and Chihuahua named Muffy at home.

:D Coffee splurk