Investigation into cat tortures

A string of cats have been found dead, tortured and starved north of Dunedin over the past few weeks. File photo / NZ Herald

A police investigation has been launched after a string of cats were found dead, tortured and starved north of Dunedin.

Six cats - many of which were tortured - have been found at the northern end of Waikouaiti in the past weeks.

Two kittens were found by members of the public with their ears cut off.

One also had a broken leg and was put down by a vet.

Further inquiries have led to the discovery of a third cat found dead with its ears cut off and a fourth from apparent starvation.

Police said the cats were of a similar age and appeared to be from the same litter.

In most cases they were killed somewhere else and dumped.

An Auckland woman has offered a $2,000 reward for any information leading to a conviction.

- Newstalk ZB