Two Identified After Puppies Drowned in Whakatāne River Incident

Police say two people have been identified after a video showing the alleged mistreatment of puppies at the Whakatāne River was shared on social media.

Members of the public contacted police just before 6pm on Monday after viewing footage of two males allegedly throwing very young puppies into the river.

Senior Sergeant Cam MacKinnon, Area Response Manager for Whakatāne, said the video appeared to show the puppies being taken from what looked like a pillowcase before being thrown into the water while the incident was filmed.

The puppies did not survive.

MacKinnon said the alleged behaviour was “wilful ill-treatment” and unacceptable.

“This type of behaviour towards animals is unacceptable in any form and is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act,” he said.

Police moved quickly to identify those involved, and both have now been located.

A 19-year-old man has been charged with cruelty to an animal and is expected to appear in court. A 17-year-old male has been referred to Youth Aid.

MacKinnon said police would work to hold those responsible to account, including seeking appropriate bail conditions.

Police acknowledged the role of members of the public who reported the video and assisted the investigation.

Anyone with further information is urged to contact police online at 105.police.govt.nz and quote the event number P065921794.

Earlier today, Whakatāne High School issued a statement to its community after becoming aware of a video that involved a former student.

In a message to parents and caregivers, the school said it “certainly does not condone this behaviour” and confirmed the individual was no longer enrolled.

The school acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and said it understood police had been notified.

It also signalled it would cooperate with any investigation.

Regional SPCA manager Jason Blair said the organisation was aware of the footage and described it as distressing and concerning.

“As this is a police matter, we are available to assist them with any enquiries and cannot comment further,” he said.

He urged anyone with information to contact the police.