Police dog strangled until it fainted

Hemi Turangi McCallum strangled a police dog until it fainted and had to be prised off the limp animal by police officers.

He was being arrested on several charges when the 28-year-old lunged at the dog and wrapped his arms around its neck, police prosecutor Toaiva Hitila told the Timaru District Court yesterday.

McCallum had already been in custody for 81⁄2 months when he appeared before Judge Peter Rollo to set a sentencing date.

He had pleaded guilty to injuring a police dog, burglary, theft, wilful damage, two counts of resisting police, and three of shoplifting.

Hitila said police were called to McCallum’s Macdonald St address in relation to a matter when he lunged at the dog. He squeezed the dog’s neck until it became limp and its eyes rolled back.

‘‘[Two constables] directed the defendant to release his grip from around the police dog’s neck. However, he responded by kicking out towards them and refused to comply.’’

The officers used ‘‘proportionate force’’ to get McCallum to release his grip, but he continued to ‘‘aggressively struggle’’.

More police jumped in to help restrain and handcuff the defendant.

Hitila said the dog was assessed by a vet and able to return to normal duties.

Defence lawyer Kelly Beazley handed Judge Rollo an apology letter from McCallum and said the defendant wanted to attend restorative justice.

‘‘I have sought a cultural report, which will be completed early next week,’’ Beazley said.

Judge Rollo said because McCallum’s 81⁄2 months in custody was bringing him close to ‘‘time served’’ for an indicated sentence of 21 months’ imprisonment, he would seek the earliest possible sentencing date.

McCallum was remanded in custody for sentencing before Judge Rollo in the Dunedin District Court on July 2.