Soldiers deny torturing kittens

Three soldiers kicked out of the Australian Army over torturing kittens are fighting their discharge.

They were among six soldiers from a Townsville barracks in court in May charged with animal cruelty.

Evidence surfaced that one of the 3-week-old kittens was dragged behind a motorcycle then crushed with a four-wheel-drive. Three others were doused with fuel and set alight.

Two soldiers have accepted their dismissal and the other was undergoing medical treatment.