Warning: This article contains descriptions of animal abuse which may disturb some readers.
Two John Paul College First XV rugby players have been suspended for three games after they were filmed abusing and killing a bird, footage of which was later posted on social media.
The board of trustees for the Rotorua high school has announced its decision after a three-hour hearing of a disciplinary sub-committee last week, describing the actions as "cruel mistreatment and death".
The teenagers left the college after the first term, but were still eligible to play for school's rugby team under Bay of Plenty secondary schools rugby rules.
In the video, one teenager held the bird by its wings, before throwing it to the ground, where another stomped on it. It was then thrown against a wall until it was dead.
John Paul College principal Patrick Walsh told NZME he was "appalled and deeply saddened" by the footage.
When the video became public, the school Facebook page had to be closed down due to the number of complaints.
"This social media commentary was inaccurate, unfair and abusive, including physical threats of violence and aggressive character assassination of parents and wider family," said a board media statement.
The former students were suspended for three competition games - half the team's remaining season schedule - and ordered to attend counselling sessions on animal cruelty and social media use.
They are also expected to provide volunteer service to the SPCA for three months and make a "sizeable" donation to the animal group.
"In accordance with the college's Lasallian approach and Catholic character, the committee acknowledged wrong-doing, contrition, forgiveness and rehabilitation as the primary considerations to apply."
The SPCA confirmed to NZME that it was still investigating the incident.
Newshub.
