The SPCA says there was no need for three kittens to end up dead and dumped in Blenheim

A member of the public found them yesterday, with blood around the mouth, and took them to a vet.

The vet carried out a postmortem and think they were killed by stabbing underneath the jaw.

SPCA Canterbury Inspectorate manager Jamie Hancock says they might have been an unwanted litter, or perhaps a nuisance ... but their deaths weren't necessary.

She says if the owners had called, help was available.

She says SPCA has had snip and chip campaigns for cats, to help prevent unwanted litters.

She says they're there to help vulnerable stray animals.