Luke Alexander Wilson, 44, appeared in the Dunedin District Court yesterday and admitted a charge of unlawfully entering a building.
The court heard that during a previous relationship, the defendant’s partner bought a dog and since their separation, they had agreed on arrangements for her care.
On May 12 the defendant went to his ex-partner’s home unannounced.
The pregnant Labrador, named River, was also at the house and, without permission, Wilson went inside and took her.
The defendant left with the pet after a short tussle with his former partner, a police summary said.
The dog had her puppies at the defendant’s house within the next day, the court heard.
Wilson accepted he should not have gone into the property without permission but said he was concerned the dog was around other pets.
He said the dog was his.
Judge Peter Winter said the case had some ‘‘unusual circumstances’’ and he could not understand why the defendant did not simply ask to go over and get the dog.
He noted the defendant had no convictions since 2012.
The judge imposed a 12-month deferred sentence on Wilson, meaning if he does not commit any more crimes in that period no further penalty will be imposed.
