Those responsible for shooting five domesticated goats, one
of which took five days to die, are being warned by police to
expect hefty penalties.
The officer in charge of the Omarama anti-poaching scheme,
Constable Nayland Smith, said an investigation was under way
to identify suspected poachers who allegedly shot five
Boer-cross goats on Waitiri Station, at Nevis Bluff in the
Kawarau Gorge.
Const Smith said the goats were not wild and were the
property of the station owner. It appeared the goats were
shot from the road and left to die.
''The farmer reported that one of these goats had been shot
in the jaw and left injured, unable to feed or drink for
approximately five days until he found it and was was forced
to put the animal down.''
Const Smith said the culprits could be prosecuted under the
Animal Welfare Act, which carries a maximum penalty of six
months' imprisonment and a $25,000 fine, as well as breaching
the Arms Act.
Any members of the public who may have seen suspicious
behaviour in the Nevis Bluff area between Christmas Eve and
New Year's Eve can contact Omarama police on (03) 438-9559.
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