In Whanganui, people lock their cats indoors. Not to stop them fighting, or to save the native wildlife, but to protect them from the Whanganui Animal Torturer.
Week after week the cats go missing, leaving only empty pet baskets behind. Dozens have been disappearing and their bodies are never found.
However, one cat escaped death at the animal manglers' hands - but only at terrible price.
Two-year-old Sparkles survived after being held down and set on fire.
Forty percent of her skin has been completely burned away, and her whiskers were blackened. She faces months of treatment for her horrific injuries.
Story caught up with Sparkles' family, and they're happy to have her back. But for others, each night brings new fears that their precious pet will disappear forever.
Please watch the video.
Newshub.
