Farmers Warned: Don't Shoot Killer Parrots
26/09/2008 05:07
High country farmers
are being urged not to break the law to stop a
protected bird preying on their
livestock.The kea, known for its intelligence and inquisitive nature, is turning to live sheep for food, which can result in a slow and miserable death for the sheep.
Until 1986, farmers could protect stock by shooting a rogue kea, but the birds are now an endangered and protected species, so such an act could result in prosecution.
Federated Farmers high country spokesman Donald Aubrey said kea attacks were a long known hazard for high-country farmers.
"They target the area around a sheep's kidneys," Mr. Aubrey said. "They do that by riding on the back of the sheep and pecking around the spinal region.
Peck away at this story here.
SINC SAYS:
If I raised sheep and some varmint pecked it to death, it would get a load of buckshot.
