Teen Caught On Video Brutally Abusing An Octopus In New Zealand Sparking Outrage & An Investigation

screenshot of video

Heartbreaking footage has emerged on social media showing a teenager brutally punching and kicking a helpless octopus in the Bay of Plenty / Te Moana-a-Toitehuatahi in New Zealand.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) confirmed that they have received complaints about the heinous incident. “The behavior shown in the video is unacceptable, and we will be conducting inquiries,” a spokesperson stated. Police also acknowledged receiving an online report on January 25th regarding the Instagram video that showed the octopus being beaten.

Octopuses are incredibly intelligent and complex beings, capable of experiencing a range of emotions, including fear and pain—just like humans. This sickening act of cruelty serves as a stark reminder that all animals deserve respect, compassion, and freedom from suffering.

Animal abuse is never acceptable, regardless of a person’s age, and those responsible must be held accountable for their actions and be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

“Unbelievable! What a terrible human. If you watch My Octopus Teacher, they are the sweetest!!! I hope this person is found and thrown in jail,” one person commented on the video on Instagram.

“What is wrong with people!! Why do you feel the need to inflict pain on an innocent creature like this?! The poor octopus,” another user commented. 

SAFE (Save Animals From Exploitation) is urging local police and the public to do everything in their power to identify those involved in this sickening act of cruelty and ensure justice is served.

“All animals deserve to be treated with respect— and we will continue to fight towards a world where the rights of all animals are valued,” stated a post on SAFE’s Instagram page.

If you have any information regarding this heinous act, please email info@mpi.govt.nz or call 0800 008 333. If calling from overseas, +64 4 830 1574.