Animal welfare chiefs have revealed their list of shame - 52 acts of serious cruelty in New Zealand in the past 12 months.

Bad boy Dancing With The Stars judge Brendan Cole has caused international outrage by stoning a chicken to death on a TVNZ reality show.

Federated Farmers Dairy chair Lachlan McKenzie responds to recent controversy over the mistreatment of animals on a NZ dairy farm.

Inspectors have begun urgent checks on the welfare of livestock at farms owned by the Crafar family, amid concerns that publicity over alleged cruelty could harm New Zealand's reputation.

Public health officers are warning parents to closely watch children - and look out for toxic sea slugs - on Hauraki Gulf beaches.

Traces of the rat poison, Brodifacoum, have been found in two little blue penguins that died in the Hauraki Gulf.

The head of the Department of Conservation said rat poison drops on two Hauraki Gulf islands should be delayed over public concerns.

An animal control officer severely beaten while seizing an unregistered dog says he can never return to his job.

Health authorities have renewed warnings to take care on Auckland beaches after three more dogs became seriously ill.

The Auckland Regional Health Service warns poisoning is still possible at Auckland beaches, but lifts its warning on people going to the beach.

Much-loved Kashin buried on hillside where she and Burma used to forage.