Xiang Max Bai was found guilty of failing to ensure the health and obtain veterinary treatment for one Dalmatian adult, 'Chalky', and her seven puppies.
The eight dogs died from Canine Parvo Virus (CPV), a highly contagious illness that causes vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration, and is often fatal if untreated.
Authorities became aware of the case in January 2014, when two people lodged complaints with an SPCA Auckland animal welfare inspector after buying puppies off Bai on Trade Me.
Each puppy had a reserve price of $900.
Bai admitted he was the owner of the dogs when the inspector attended his Mt Wellington property. He confirmed the puppies hadn't been eating or drinking and admitted to not following veterinary advice.
He said he could not afford the immediate treatment needed to respond to CPV, and was advised by a vet to euthanise the puppies for humane reasons. Bai made appointments with the vet but failed to follow through.
"The puppies and their mother were suffering terribly and there is no doubt that the owner understood the severity of their condition," says SPCA Auckland chief executive Andrea Midgen.
"This is a heart-breaking and completely unacceptable example of cruelty to animals."
Ms Midgen says the case highlights the importance of adopting pets from animal shelters or reputable breeders.
Bai has been sentenced to 160 hours' community work, disqualified from owning animals for 10 years, and ordered to pay a total of $6213 in reparations to SPCA Auckland and the individuals who purchased puppies from him.
(Newshub - Dec 21, 2016)
