15 June 2005

Police And DOC Combine Forces To Continue Seal Shooting Investigation

The NZ Police and the Department of Conservation have combined their efforts in a joint agency approach to further investigate the reported seal shootings on the Otago Peninsula last Sunday.

Two dead seals have now been recovered. Interim results from first post-mortem suggest that the death was caused by shooting.

“The initial results appear to indicate that the death of the seal found was as a consequence of gunshot wounds,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Kallum Croudis.

“Both DOC and the Police are busy continuing their investigations, and we will be working closely over this issue until the facts are established,” Detective Senior Sergeant Croudis said.

The Department of Conservation will continue its efforts in searching for any wounded or dead animals in the area.

Coastal Otago Area Manager Robin Thomas said staff were alerted to the finding of a second dead seal today, by staff at Penguin Place. The seal was found adjacent to the Pipikaretu Beach.

“It’s an unfortunate consequence of this kind of incident that we may be faced with the need to euthanase any severely wounded animals,” said Mr Thomas.

The Police will continue investigating and interviewing any witnesses, including the tourists who were present and staff of Penguin Place.

The Department of Conservation is interested in hearing of any sightings of any dead seals or any animals that appear to be in distress around the Otago Peninsula.

ENDS

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