Police have caught two young men who allegedly filmed themselves throwing puppies into the Whakatāne River and shared the footage on social media.
Yesterday, members of the public contacted police after seeing a video of two males allegedly lobbing the puppies, described as very young, into the river and using a social media platform to showcase their actions.
Police area response manager Senior Sergeant Cam MacKinnon said police also received information from the public who witnessed the males taking puppies out of what looked to be a pillowcase before tossing them into the river.
“Tragically, the puppies drowned in the river.”
MacKinnon said this wilful ill-treatment of animals is “unacceptable in any form” and is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 1999.
"As with this incident or any similar behaviour, we will robustly work to hold these offenders to account for their actions and this includes restrictions on bail during court proceedings.
MacKinnon confirmed both offenders had now been located.
A 19-year-old man was charged with cruelty to an animal, and a 17-year-old male was been referred to Youth Aid.
Police also acknowledged the members of the public who contacted and assisted investigators.
It said anyone else with information in relation to this offending could provide it via 105.
SPCA regional manager Jason Blair said the agency was aware of the "both distressing and concerning" footage.
As the matter was with police, it could not comment further, but said its animal welfare officers were available to assist with any inquiries.
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