A judge has described the actions of a man who repeatedly hit his dog with a large square shovel, and later assaulted his daughter, as "callous and cruel treatment" of the animal. After being confronted, Little told the witness to "mind her own business", and told her he was hitting Marama because she had toileted on his deck. The dog was taken away and examined by a vet, and was observed avoiding placing full weight on her right hind limb. 'So fearful... they fled into a room'Then, in June of this year, Little's violence extended to his daughter and ex-partner. The man was given a 20% discount for his guilty plea, having initially pleaded not guilty.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 21, 2025 18:47 UTC