Two New Zealand fur seals have been shot dead on the South Island's east coast, a "grotesque" act which has outraged the Department of Conservation.

A beloved pet lamb was stolen and later dumped with a smashed head and set on fire outside its Dunedin home early yesterday, police say.

A 10-year old boy has died after being dragged by a bolting horse just before sunset yesterday.

A missing cat that lost a leg in an illegal gin trap was yesterday reunited with his tearful owners.

A seal which wandered around the streets of central Wellington this morning had to be herded back into the water by police.

It has been third time lucky for the owners of a cat who had given up their pet for dead after he disappeared for eight months on Waiheke Island.

Around the world, attitudes to pets vary widely. In this country it can be something of a surprise when dogs appear in the cabin.

Auckland SPCA is overrun with rabbits. The organisation is hunting for homes for more than 40 rabbits - and staff say it's a great time to adopt.

While sharks are usually feared more for their fangs, researchers have captured video footage of thresher sharks which use their tails as a weapon to stun or kill prey.

Two people have admitted to selling rock lobster gathered with authorisation for whanau gatherings.

Incredible dog tricks by Jumpy the border collie A proud dog owner has shared a video of his border collie Jumpy doing some of the most impressive dog tricks we've ever seen! courtesy Omar von Muller.

Two canine travellers caused a stir on a 10-hour international flight after Air New Zealand let the French bulldogs sit at the feet of their celebrity owners.

An Australian desert-dwelling parrot which hops like a kangaroo and hasn't been seen alive for more than a century has tongues wagging in the ornithological world.

A kind stranger has stepped in to help a family after their miniature horse was mauled to death by a roving dog.

Attacks on guide dogs by out-of-control canines have increased this year, leaving owners and animals injured and distressed.

Danielle Wright takes a look underneath the sea at the Auckland War Memorial Museum's Moana - My Ocean exhibition.

A farmer who left his herd of calves without food and water for months at his leased Papamoa farm neglected the animals so he could attend to his sick wife and newborn child.

High winds proved no tall order as Fanana the giraffe safely completed an epic journey from Sydney to Christchurch this morning.

Rules to protect the endangered Hector's dolphin from set nets in Akaroa Harbour may not go far enough, new research suggests.

Ten horses were left to starve on lawyer Barry Hart's property after it was seized by the bank, leaving at least two in an emaciated state.

Throwing a stick for your dog to fetch is dangerous and should be banned, veterinary experts have warned.

The world's top dolphin scientists have urged the New Zealand government to act now to protect the Maui's dolphin marine environment or risk the species being extinct in 20 years.