Stockshooting investigation criticised
A MILTON couple whose cow was killed in a series of livestock shootings in January have criticised police for a lack of progress on the investigation.
While some in the community believe a Dunedin teenager and his friend are responsible for the shootings, the teenager’s father says the accusations, which first surfaced on social media, are baseless.
The shootings occurred during the first week of January, at farms in OtokiaKuri Bush Rd, Akatore Rd, Takitakitoa Rd and Rongahere Rd, in Beaumont.
Nine sheep, two cattle beasts, a cow and a bull were shot, but no meat was gathered from the animals.
The shot cow belonged to Thomas and Regula Fischli, of Akatore Rd, in rural Milton.
Mr Fischli, who was a police officer in Switzerland before emigrating to New Zealand, said the police response was initially ‘‘really good’’ after one of their LimousinAngus Herefordcross cows, worth $1800, was shot in the head.
That noone had been arrested after more than eight months was frustrating, as was the lack of communication from local officers, he said.
‘‘They always said ‘we’ll keep you in the loop’, but they never did.’’
Two weeks after the shootings the couple were approached by several people who named a local teen as one of two people allegedly responsible, Mr Fischli said.
Several of the other farmers whose stock were killed also told the Otago Daily Times they were convinced the teenager and his friend were responsible.
Mrs Fischli and another farmer, who had two sheep killed, said they had even sent bills for the costs to the father, a prominent local businessman.
Mr Fischli said he and his wife were convinced the teenager was behind the killings.
‘‘Now it’s time to face the music.
‘‘Every action has its consequences.’’
Three of the farmers whose stock had been shot said they had not been approached by the teenager’s father, despite rumours the man was paying farmers to stay silent.
The teenager’s father confirmed yesterday he and his son had been spoken to by police, but strongly denied the accusations against the teenager.
The accusations stemmed from stray comments on social media on a post related to the shootings, he said.
‘‘Some idiot mate of his and another kid tagged their names on [a social media page]. That’s what happened.
‘‘The farmers have got it all wrong.’’
He initially denied receiving bills from the farmers, but later added ‘‘anything that was received, the police have’’.
The man said he was considering legal action against those naming the teenager.
Sergeant Kevin Davidson, of Mos giel, said the investigation was continuing and urged patience.
‘‘We have identified a number of people of interest and we would welcome hearing from anyone who may have information and has not yet spoken to us.
‘‘We have been keeping in touch with complainants and keeping them informed of the investigation to date, and we will be sure to update them when there are any new developments in the investigation.’’
Sgt Davidson said police were ‘‘aware of a number of rumours circulating in the area and on social media’’.