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New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals v Murphy [2021] NZDC 25795

Published 29 March 2022

Originating application — disposal of seized property — Search and Surveillance Act 2012, s 163 — Animal Welfare Act 1999. The applicant sought an order to dispose of seized property, a miniature horse, by selling and rehoming it. The Court heard from witnesses, a vet and an animal inspector, who stated that the respondent had not taken proper care of the horse. The respondent denied the claims. However the Court found that the animal inspector had had reason to seize the horse and had carried out the seizure properly. Given the horse's market value and the cost of maintaining it, the Court granted the order to sell the horse. Judgment Date: 9 June 2021.

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