Police have acted swiftly to locate the males responsible for allegedly mistreating puppies at the Whakatane River last night.

Just before 6pm on Monday 30 March, members of the public contacted Police after watching a video of two males allegedly throwing very young puppies in the Whakatane River using a social media platform to showcase their offending.

We received information from the public who saw the males take the puppies out of what looked to be a pillowcase and throw them into the Whakatane River, while filming their senseless activity.

Tragically, the puppies drowned in the river.

This type of wilful ill-treatment towards 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.

Both offenders have now been located. A 19-year-old man has been charged with Cruelty to an Animal, and a 17-year-old male has been referred to Youth Aid.

Police would like to acknowledge the members of the public who contacted and assisted Police with this incident.

If anyone else has information in relation to this offending, it can be provided online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking ‘Update Report’. Please quote Police event number P065921794.

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