Drowning cats is against the law ... but the SPCA says the message isn't getting through

Dunedin man Donald MacDonald trapped eight cats at his workplace then drowned them.

He says he was under the impression management wanted them gone, and believed it was the most humane way to get rid of them

SPCA CEO Andrea Midgen says drowning animals is against the law - but remains fairly widespread.

She says the method is cruel and horrifically distressing for animals.

MacDonald has been fined two thousand dollars and more than 600 dollars reparation.