Deer release riles farmers
Are you on the side of the rats, stoats and possums, or [of] our kiwi, kokako and kea? Federated Farmers' environment and pest management spokesman Chris Allen
Farmers have joined the chorus of condemnation against the ‘idiots’ responsible for the release of sika deer into Taranaki forests.
DOC alleges sika deer had been released into forests in North Taranaki and windows in a staff member’s private vehicle were smashed in retaliation against the use of 1080 in the region.
‘‘DOC’S director-general Lou Sanson called the release of up to 50 sika deer despicable and ‘ecoterrorism’ and we back him on that,’’ Federated Farmers’ environment and pest management spokesman Chris Allen said.
As of Friday, six sika deer had been shot of 15 sighted.
The deer had been released in forest near where farmers had been working with other agencies to get rid of rats, stoats and possums and help native forest regeneration to protect kiwi and kokako, Allen said.
Whether their release was to do with an anti-1080, pro-hunting or any other cause, Allen urged the people responsible to ‘cease their selfishness and use their brains’.
‘‘Farmers, DOC, iwi, environmentalists and the rest of the nation are in a desperate fight against pest animals to head off the serious decline in populations and habitats of many of our native birds,’’ he said.
‘‘Are you on the side of the rats, stoats and possums, or [of] our kiwi, kokako and kea?’’
Sanson, who described the actions as ‘‘eco-terrorism at its worst’’, said DOC had received an anonymous letter threatening the release of deer into Taranaki forests in retaliation to the use of 1080.
The letter demanded the use of 1080 be stopped and threatened further action could be taken if it wasn’t.
However, Chris Wilkes, founder of the 100 Percent Pure Taranaki Society, said while there may have been a release of deer, DOC had no solid evidence 1080 activists were involved.
‘‘They are actually blaming the anti-1080 movement and I think that that is absolutely ridiculous,’’ he said.
‘‘I know damn near every 1080 activist or person who opposes that stuff and that’s not what an anti-1080 person would do.’’
Wilkes claimed DOC’S allegations that 1080 activists were behind the release was an attempt to discredit anyone who was against the use of the pesticide.
He believed the anonymous letter could even have been sent by someone attempting to make protesters out to be a radical group.
‘‘This is a desperate move by DOC to try and undermine the credibility of the anti-1080 movement.
‘‘This is similar to the all-tooregular reports of the illegal release of pigs in bush and forest areas. While deer browse the plants that are key to bird habitat, pigs will go for everything from powelliphanta snails to kiwis if they find the den,’’ Allen said.
The Taranaki Regional Council had also condemned the ‘illegal, selfish and cynical act’.
‘‘These deer have the potential to cause serious and long-lasting harm to Taranaki’s economy and biodiversity,’’ chairman David Macleod said.
‘‘Not only is there the risk from diseases such as bovine tuberculosis, these animals will cause serious damage to the bush and valuable ecosystems in the surrounding area.’’
Macleod said it was essential the animals were eradicated, especially at this time of year when some were likely to be carrying young.
‘‘Hunting sika deer is much more difficult than for other species, so specialist skills and expert resources are urgently required to deal with these animals,’’ he said.
Mr Macleod says the release of these deer is a despicable act and the perpetrators need to be identified, prosecuted and severely punished.