Cancer-ridden dogs removed from hoarder's property

6:45 pm on 10 February 2016

The SPCA has collected several dogs with cancer from the property of an Auckland woman after a court ruled she had to give up dozens of animals.

Anne Power was found guilty last September of ill-treating a 32-year-old horse found dead on her Coatesville property in 2013.

SPCA Auckland CEO Andrea Midgen

SPCA Auckland CEO Andrea Midgen Photo: SUPPLIED

An SPCA investigation found the gelding had an untreated skin infection, and gum disease so severe it had starved.

The Auckland District Court ordered Power to pay more than $6000 in reparation and legal costs, and banned her from owning any new animals for eight years.

She was allowed to keep up to 85 animals - four horses, 11 cattle, 18 sheep, four llamas, four dogs, 40 birds and four cats - but ordered to give up at least 60 others.

SPCA Auckland chief executive Andrea Midgen told Checkpoint with John Campbell that 38 dogs were removed from Power's care yesterday, many in terrible condition.

"A lot of them have cancer, one was disgusting - a big growth with a length of string tied around the growth, and that was the only care that that dog had received. It was in a lot of pain."

Ms Midgen said if it was up to her Power wouldn't get to keep any animals.

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