Five birds protected under the Wildlife Act have been found shot dead near Little Barrier Island. Authorities were made aware of the dead birds after a member of the public saw them floating on the water over Auckland Anniversary weekend. The man, from Auckland, photographed them and reported that it looked as if the birds had bullet holes in them. "People harassing and or shooting these, or any other protected species, are liable for prosecution and face a jail term of up to two years or a fine of up to $100,000. "Information gathered by the public can help in investigations, especially details which help identify those responsible.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 01, 2017 04:26 UTC