Photo: Getty ImagesThe SPCA says not many people are deliberately cruel to their animals, but it took a stand against a cat owner for failing to care for dental health, as a reminder of the obligations and costs of owning a pet. The Auckland District Court has this week sentenced Brett Goulding to 100 hours of community work for failing to get help for his pet's severe dental problems. Goulding's cat was taken to a veterinarian by a rescue organisation in November 2018 after a complaint by a member of the public who saw the cat had obvious dental problems. The vet noted the cat was very thin with chronic poor nutrition, lesions on its nose, and severe periodontal disease. The vet gave the cat antibiotics and pain relief, and advised the rescue organisation to inform the owner he should return with the cat for dental treatment.

Source: Otago Daily Times October 20, 2020 19:07 UTC