Pigs' agonising deaths add to list of animal shame

A crossbow killing of a pig and piglet, the suspicious death of several hens, the seizure of a dog and three puppies due to their neglected condition and the abandonment of at least 10 cats and kittens by vacating tenants.

That is a list of shameful recent animal mistreatment in Hawke's Bay, the local SPCA says.

It comes at a time when Auckland-based SPCA spokesman Bob Kerridge, has pointed out violent abuse of animals in New Zealand is growing and more bizarre cases are being reported. MORE>>

Are there really more cases, or is it that it's being reported more? It's the chicken or the egg question!