RNZ ordered to hand documents to SPCA over suspected animal welfare offences by dog breeder

A Hawke's Bay woman continued to breed puppies on her farm, despite the discovery of a highly contagious and potentially fatal parvovirus just months earlier.

The revelation is part of a Checkpoint investigation into the commercial trade of puppies, and the health of two boxer puppies produced by prolific Hastings dog breeder Margaret Harkema.

The pups - bought by two Auckland families - did not have parvovirus, but one of the purchasers ended up euthanising their new pet due to a suspected congenital issue.

Checkpoint can also reveal RNZ has been served with an order by the SPCA, which has commenced its own investigation into the breeder.

The order references suspected offences under the Animal Welfare Act.