The mother of one of the kids allegedly involved in a "sickening" video of a kitten being stoned to death has condemned the behaviour.
Stuff reports the woman said she was disgusted by the children's actions but "there's nothing I can do about it now."
Police are talking to several young teenagers after the "disturbing" video was shared online.
The video was posted to Facebook on Tuesday night by animal rights group Paw Justice and was shared several times across social media.
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Social media users were quick to voice their disgust at the video.
"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."
One girl believed to be responsible was identified on Facebook and received death threats.
The alleged offenders are all aged between 11 and 16 years old. They will be interviewed and then referred to Invercargill Youth Services.
Three kittens were also found in the house of one of the offenders. They have been removed and will be rehomed by the SPCA.
Police said their staff were sickened by the video.
Newshub.
