A man arrested in Rolleston following a distressing incident involving the violent attack of a dog has appeared in court.

The incident, captured on a security camera, showed the man striking and kicking the dog  on Park Lane near Levi Park on 9 January.

He appeared in the Christchurch District Court on Friday late afternoon, charged with animal cruelty.

The man was remanded on bail and is set to reappear on 7 March.

Earlier, police told chrislynchmedia.com that Selwyn Police executed a search warrant at a Rolleston address on Monday in connection with an animal cruelty case involving a German Shepherd.

“Police can reassure the public that the dog is safe and a man has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty.

“We would like to thank members of the public for coming forward with information that led to this positive result.”

The SPCA was also investigating the incident.