Two protected kererū (native pigeon) have been found shot next to a camping ground at Lake Brunner near Greymouth on the West Coast.
The birds were found by a member of the public who was staying at the campground.
DOC Ranger Darryl Haworth said that the birds were found on 3 August and had been cut open and had their breast meat removed.
“DOC is looking for information that will lead to the arrest of people responsible for killing the birds and is interested in hearing about any suspicious activity around the area in the days leading up to 3 August, which was when the birds were found.”
Kererū are protected under the Wildlife Act 1953. Anybody who hunts or kills protected wildlife without lawful authority is liable to two years imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000, or both. Suspicious or illegal activity can be reported to DOC’s 24-hour hotline 0800 DOC HOT.
The birds were found the same day that DOC announced a new national compliance strategy, which places greater emphasis on enforcing laws which are designed to protect our unique wildlife and special places.
Source: Department Of Conservation
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