Media Release
25 February 2004

Sentence For Pigeon Poacher Sends Message

“The statement by a District Court judge that a jail sentence was needed as a deterrent to people who continued to hunt protected wildlife is welcome,” says New Zealand First conservation spokesperson, Edwin Perry.

The judge handed down a six-week jail term for the killing of native pigeons in Northland.

“Native birds have enough to contend with in the form of predators without being hunted by people who know they are breaking the law but continue to do so despite the fact that the birds are protected,” said Mr Perry.

“In years gone by native pigeons were hunted as food but in this day and age that can hardly be given as an excuse.

“This outcome will demonstrate that the theft and destruction of wildlife in this country are no longer taken lightly by either the Department of Conservation or the courts,” said Mr Perry.

ENDS

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