Warning: Article contains graphic content that may disturb some people.
Animal welfare groups and the public are outraged after video emerged showing a helpless kitten being stoned to death in Invercargill.
The video shows a young teenage girl throwing a large rock at a young black kitten, while it attempts to escape.
Paw Justice posted the video to Facebook asking the public to help identify those responsible.
"OMG - this video sickens and saddens us at the same time, because this is reality in New Zealand," it posted.
"This terrible act of cruelty and senseless death of a young kitten is what we have to fight against!
"We can't even begin understand why this little soul was stoned to death. What the hell is happening with our youth if they can do this and laugh, and in front of at least one young child!"
The video has shocked the community, who are calling for action.
"I just can't deal with the disgusting act of violence against a poor, defenceless kitten," one person posted.
"This woman is evil, if she can do this to a kitten she'll do much worse in the future."
The girl believed to be responsible is now receiving death threats on social media - including promises to kill her like she killed the kitten.
A police spokeswoman on Wednesday said inquiries were being made into the matter.
Paw Justice says it will be offering a reward to get those responsible held to account.
"These people need to be identified. We believe this video is from Invercargill - we need to know who they are so we can become the voice for this kitten and try to ensure proper action is taken against the killers in this video," Paw Justice's message reads.
"If you know anything at all, please email craig@pawjustice.co.nz with the 'kitten' in the subject line.
"RIP little one. We will fight for you. Hard."
Newshub.
