Canterbury Christchurch A recent court appearance in Christchurch prompted police to act quickly to check on the well-being of a small dog caught up in a family harm situation. Police were opposing bail in the district court for a man facing charges including animal cruelty, resisting police and escaping custody. As the bail hearing got under way, a police prosecutor became concerned about the dog at the centre of the animal cruelty charge which, it was alleged, the defendant had used to manipulate the victim. In response to police questioning, the defendant told the court the dog had been left alone where he had been staying. Police moved quickly. Within 40 minutes of getting to the address, officers had found the little dog, which had been on his own for two days. He was taken to the police station temporarily and officers updated the judge straight away. The dog was alert and in good spirits. He was placed in the care of the SPCA, which was already aware of the situation.…