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