CCTV footage has captured a disturbing case of animal cruelty on the banks of Christchurch’s Avon River, with a warning the vision is confronting.

The video, sent to chrislynchmedia.com, shows five teenagers slaughtering eels near the Antigua Boat Sheds in central Christchurch.

The incident happened about 10.30pm on 24 September, when the group was seen on CCTV gathered on the wooden decking area.

One teenager was filmed repeatedly stabbing eels in the river with a sharp object while others stood nearby, watching, encouraging, and assisting.

The activity went on for nearly 20 minutes and appeared coordinated, with multiple eels targeted.

MPI District Manager of Animal Welfare and Compliance South Richard Notley said inspectors had reviewed the footage and were investigating.

“The kind of behaviour depicted in the footage is unacceptable and we take this kind of offending seriously,” he said.

“While Police also have power under the Animal Welfare Act to investigate, animal welfare is our key responsibility.”

Notley said their investigation was continuing and part of that work included confirming the age of the people involved.