Arsonists have targeted animals in two attacks. Two kittens and 25 chickens died in blazes on an allotment in Wylam Road, Shield Row, Stanley, County Durham.
PC Graeme Whitfield, of Consett Police, said: "It is an unspeakably cruel thing to do to animals."
The kittens were housed in a disused caravan belonging to a pensioner who lives in the Shield Row area.
The 15 hens and ten cockerels were trapped in a greenhouse belonging to the same man.
"In the case of the greenhouse, offenders would have been able to clearly see that there was livestock inside," said PC Whitfield.
"This is nothing short of a malicious attack."
The allotment owner asked not to be identified.
The fires were started between 10.30pm on Friday, June 17, and 5.15am on Saturday, June 18.
PC Whitfield said the attacks were apparently motiveless and police have no leads at present.
Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact PC Whitfield on (01207) 504204.
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