Woman disqualified from owning animals for five years after failing to get injuries treated

A Waharoa woman has been banned from owning animals for five years by the Hamilton District Court after failing to treat obvious injuries affecting a number of animals in her care.

Lai Toy was found guilty on several counts of failing to ensure animals in her care received treatment and has today been sentenced to 300 hours community service and nine months supervision.

She was ordered to pay $2000 reparations, $500 towards legal costs and was ordered to forfeit the ownership of two cats currently in the care of SPCA Waikato.

The charges are in relation to animals examined by SPCA inspectors and vets at Toy's Waharoa property in 2015.

A goat had allegedly been hit by a car and suffered a fracture near its front right elbow, during disagreements with veterinarians over recommended treatment Toy became hostile and police were called to assist as the goat needed to be euthanised due to the nature of its injury and severe pain.

A black and white domestic cat seized under a search warrant, was found to be underweight and dehydrated, suffering pain from kidney disease and severe dental disease, it was also displaying obvious lameness when walking.

X-rays showed the cat had two untreated fractures to its right hind leg, and due to the pain and nature of the injury and disease the cat had to be euthanised.

Several other cats were also seized from the property, three of which were found to be suffering from oral disease, since treatment two of the cats have been under the care of SPCA and are now up for adoption.

"With some offenders education doesn't work and reoffending is highly likely, and we're pleased this sentence recognises this and is tailored to the offender with the aim of effectively reducing reoffending," says SPCA CEO Andrea Midgen.