A healthy three-year-old spoodle named Walter died after suffering catastrophic blunt-force trauma while attending an Auckland dog daycare, according to Stuff.
As reported by Stuff, Walter was in the care of Dog Manners when he sustained the fatal injuries. The circumstances surrounding his death are now under investigation by the SPCA.
According to Stuff, the owner of Dog Manners, Phillip Page, declined to answer questions while the SPCA continues its investigation into Walter's death.
At this stage, there have been no findings in the investigation, and Page has not been charged with any offence, Stuff reported.
This is the first part of Stuff's investigation. The publication reported that a second instalment, due to be published tomorrow, will include separate allegations made by former employees regarding the treatment of other dogs at Dog Manners.
Stuff journalist Paula Penfold is leading the investigation.
According to Stuff, Walter's owners, Briar Malpas and Finn Templeton, welcomed the young dog into their home in 2023.
They described him as the "cutest little fluff ball."
The couple named him Walter.
As reported by Stuff, the many photos and videos shared by Walter's owners show a healthy, much-loved golden spoodle enjoying everyday moments with his family.
The images capture Walter playing with a ball in the park, running along the beach, and relaxing on the couch while being cuddled, reflecting the close bond he shared with his owners before his unexpected death.