The trial of two men accused of shooting 33 dogs on a rural property north of Auckland after an argument with the dogs' owner has been delayed.
Russell Mendoza and Tony Campbell were due to face trial later this month on animal cruelty and firearms charges laid following the shootings in January last year.
But the trial was delayed after Campbell changed his lawyer, prosecutor Josh Shaw told NZPA.
Mr Shaw said the matter was adjourned when it was called in Auckland District Court yesterday and was now due to start in September.
The charges were laid after the shooting of 33 dogs owned by Rowan Hargreaves on his property near Wellsford, 114km northwest of Auckland.
Mendoza and Campbell face charges laid by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals under the Animal Welfare Act of wilful ill-treatment of an animal and alternative charges of ill-treatment of an animal.
The men also face charges laid by police of reckless use of a firearm.
SPCA national president Bob Kerridge said it was unfortunate the case had been delayed.
The trial is expected to last two weeks.
NZPA