Counties Manukau central area prevention manager Inspector MinHo Lee said a neighbour claimed the dogs were being mistreated and began recording.
“The neighbour attempted to stop the offender from causing further harm to the dogs, which has led the man to become aggressive.
“He allegedly swung a pole at the victim, hitting their hand and causing their phone to fall into a bucket of water.”
Lee claimed the man continued to swing the pole around while threatening the victim.
Police were called and the owner was arrested. He is due to appear in Manukau District Court today.
The puppy and dogs were removed from the man’s custody and were checked over by a vet.
“The appalling treatment of these dogs is unacceptable, and this violent behaviour won’t be tolerated by Police,” Lee claimed.