The Bay of Islands SPCA is urgently appealing for information after a bag containing dead puppies was found by a member of the public on the Paihia to Opua coastal walkway.
The gruesome discovery was made near Smiths Rd about 5pm on August 16.
Bay of Islands SPCA senior inspector Tracee Knowler said she believed the bag had been deliberately placed so the two puppies would be drowned by the incoming tide. It is not known how long they had been there before they were discovered.
"It is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 to drown an animal," Knowler said.
"This is a horrific and inhumane way to dispose of unwanted pups. We are asking anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the vicinity of the walkway, or have any knowledge as to where the puppies may have come from, to please contact us urgently.
