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SIMON O’CONNOR / THINGS
Three kittens were found dumped on a property in Blenheim. (File photo)
Warning: this story contains a potentially distressing image.
Three dead kittens with neck injuries consistent with stab wounds made with a screwdriver were found lying on a Blenheim property.
The SPCA is asking for information after a woman found the kittens in her front yard in the suburb of Riversdale on Tuesday.
The kittens were taken to a veterinarian where a post-mortem examination was performed.
A vet concluded that the round-shaped wounds under the kitten’s chin were compatible with a screwdriver rather than a knife, the SPCA said.
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There was also blood coming from the kittens ‘noses, which the vet said indicated that the object had entered the kittens’ brain areas and caused their death.
SPCA Canterbury area manager Jamie Hancock said the SPCA was asking for information about the abandoned kittens.
Supplied
The kittens had wounds under their necks and blood coming out of their noses.
There were no bloodstains or traces around the place where the kittens were found, so it was believed that they were dumped between 12:30 and 3 in the afternoon.
“The kittens were put on someone’s property, so maybe someone has seen something or knows something,” Hancock said.
The woman who found the kittens had no known enemies who might be trying to send her a message, he said.
The SPCA was trying to make sense of what had happened and any clues would be helpful. The deaths were unnecessary and help was available for people who were unable to care for the animals.
“Whether or not it was human the way they were killed, whatever the reason… it wasn’t necessary.
Under the Animal Welfare Act, it was a crime if an animal was not humanely killed and charges could be brought.
“That is a very serious crime, it has a maximum penalty of 12 months in prison or a fine of $ 50,000.”
Anyone with information can call (03) 572 9156.
