Auckland, Feb 5 NZPA - The Auckland SPCA is calling for the maximum jail term for a man convicted of wilfully cruelty to a dog.

Wayne Vernon Joseph Williams is due to appear at Manukau District Court on February 24 for sentencing after admitting beating the terrier with a pipe and then strangling it to death.

Auckland SPCA general manager David Lloyd-Barker said today he was hoping Williams would get the maximum sentence of three years.

"This is the animal welfare equivalent of murder which was deliberately premeditated," Mr Lloyd-Barker said.

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