A man is being prosecuted by the SPCA for breaking his dog's leg and failing to seek veterinary assistance following an attack.

Serrin Macpherson appeared in the Wairoa District Court on Tuesday.

An SPCA representative says Serrin is being sentenced to 12 months' imprisonment, disqualified from owning animals for six years and he is ordered to pay $1780.41 in reparations.

In November 2017, Serrin let his dog Rocka out from his property in Papakura, where Rocka and another dog attacked livestock at a property nearby.

As Serrin caught Rocka back at his property, he attacked his dog through punching, kicking and slamming him to the ground, resulting in a broken leg.

SPCA say that a witness attempted to intervene, Serrin continued attacking his dog.

Serrin paid a visit to his father's house following the attack and he failed to take advice to take Rocka to a vet.

SPCA CEO Andrea Midgen says the abuse Rocka experienced is unacceptable.

'This type of offending is particularly horrific as the offender not only violently attacked his own animal, he failed to provide critical medical care after the fact, and lied about it to authorities, leading to a huge amount of suffering for Rocka.

'We are pleased that the court has recognised the significant pain and distress and extreme violence in this case, and this is reflected in the imprisonment sentence handed down. Let this be a warning: anyone who treats their animals in such a way will be prosecuted by SPCA to the full extent of the law.”

An SPCA representative says the injuries Rocka sustained in the attack left him with no quality of life.

'The veterinarian who examined Rocka confirmed a broken femur and said he would have suffered severe pain at the time of the fracture, up until he was treated by a vet.

'Unfortunately, due to the extent of his injuries, Rocka was euthanised and a post mortem revealed there was wide spread hemorrhaging consistent with blunt trauma. In the veterinary pathologist's opinion, the injuries and lack of treatment would have caused severe pain, distress, and suffering.”