Accused gunman's parents face animal cruelty charge | Canterbury News | Local News in Canterbury

THE PARENTS of the two men who were arrested after a siege where a police dog was shot dead are facing separate allegations of animal cruelty.

Graeme and Gillian Smith were due to appear in the district court today charged with failing to ensure 14 cats received treatment to alleviate any unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress.

Their son Christopher, 34, has been accused of shooting dog handler Senior Constable Bruce Lamb, Constable Mitchel Alatalo and police dog Gage in Phillipstown on July 13.

Younger son Steven, 31, was also arrested during the siege and faces drug and firearm-
related charges. He is on electronic bail, living at his parents' house.

Today's court proceedings follow an SPCA investigation at the couple's Woolston property in December last year.

 

 

An SPCA officer examined more than 30 cats and found many had infections of the eye
and respiratory system.

The officer, accompanied by a veterinary surgeon, executed a search warrant on December 7, and removed 15 cats for closer examination.

 

 

Police were present after the SPCA claimed that Graeme Smith had earlier been abusive
and was obstructing the inspector.

Fourteen cats were put down, and one was returned to the couple.

The couple were scheduled to appear at a defended hearing this morning.

If they are convicted, they could face up to six months imprisonment and a fine of up to $25,000.

They still own a number of cats.

Christopher and Steven Smith are due at the district court next Friday for a post-committal conference.

Christopher Smith faces 11 charges, including killing a police dog, cultivating cannabis,
possession of weapons (a pig knife, a Stirling .22 semi-automatic rifle, a .22 bolt-action
rifle and a Mauser 6.55mm rifle), two counts of using a firearm against a police officer, three charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and two counts of attempted murder. He is remanded in custody.

Steven Smith faces five charges of unlawful possession of firearms, possessing cannabis
and possessing cannabis for supply.

Neither has entered a plea.