Latest news with #WaitakiPolice
RNZ News
2 days ago
- RNZ News
Three sea lions found dead in Otago after being shot
The sea lions were shot at the mouth of the Waitaki river in the Otago region. Photo: Three sea lions are dead after being shot near Ōamaru in Otago. DOC said the three endangered sea lions were shot at the mouth of the Waitaki river on Saturday. Police said two of the sea lions were dead and the third had to be euthanised. Local iwi have been notified. Sergeant Tony Woodbridge of Waitaki Police said these acts were senseless acts of cruelty against wildlife - and is appealing for people to come forward who might identify who was responsible. People can ring Police on 105 or visit us the Ōamaru Police Station. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
1News
2 days ago
- 1News
Three sea lions dead after 'incredibly upsetting' shooting in Canterbury
Three sea lions have died following a "senseless" shooting in the Canterbury region yesterday. A police spokesperson said three endangered sea lions were shot near the Waitaki River mouth on Saturday. Two of the sea lions were killed, and a third sea lion was also injured. In an update shortly after 6.30pm, Waitaki Police Sergeant Tony Woodbridge said the third wounded sea lion "sadly had to be euthanised". He said Ōamaru police were eager to hear from the community to help identify those responsible for the "senseless acts of cruelty against wildlife". ADVERTISEMENT The Department of Conservation said they were also investigating evidence supplied to them, and urged anyone who may know anything about the attack to come forward. "Obviously, it's incredibly upsetting and concerning that people would attack an animal, and we are keen to hear from anyone who may have heard anything about this attack, or seen any suspicious activity in this area." Local iwi were notified of the situation. Under the Wildlife Act, it is illegal to injure or kill protected native wildlife like sea lions and anyone who does so can face punishments of up to two years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $250,000. New Zealand sea lions are one of the rarest sea lion species in the world, and are only found in Aotearoa.
