What a joke the punishment handed to Phillip Kahotea for neglecting his poor dog. This neglect went on for two yrs, the dog being chained up and almost starved to death. Chances are Kahotea also neglects his family; mistreating animals and other humans quite often go hand in hand. This cruel, uncaring individual should have at least been barred from ever owning a dog again and the paltry fine of $750 should be mulitplied by at least 10.

Pete Kelly, Te Puna.