The SPCA is disappointed by the sentence given to a Gisborne man who fed five live kittens to his pitbull dog.
Te Ahu Mankelow, 30, has been sentenced in Gisborne District Court to seven months in prison.
The court has also banned him from owning animals for 10 years.
The SPCA says Mankelow's action was sick and heartless and he should have been sentenced to more than 12 months.
National chief executive Robyn Kippenberger says the incident reinforces the case for tougher legislation on animal cruelty, which is currently before Parliament.
The Animal Welfare Amendment Bill had its first reading on Thursday night.
Mankelow's dog has been destroyed.
