Poaching problem on the increase
Poaching has been on the increase in South Canterbury during lockdown and Federated Farmers believes it is putting the lives of farmers and other rural residents at risk.
‘‘I have heard it’s been a bit worse during lock down. It’s a real concern,’’ Federated Farmers SC branch president Jason Grant said.
Sergeant Grant Lord, of Timaru, said they had made no arrests for poaching but they did have routine patrols covering the Cave, Albury and Otaio regions looking for potential offenders.
‘‘We rely on information from the public and land owners and will keep responding to calls.’’
Grant said poachers targeted wild animals such as deer, wallabies and pigs or kill commercial livestock and farmed deer.
‘‘Poachers shine lights to pick up the reflection in the animal’s eyes and may get livestock or farmers working in the twilight or dark.
‘‘Poachers may not know they (farmers) are there and they get shot.’’
Grant said Federated Farmers advised anyone who saw any suspicious vehicles or activity to contact police.
‘‘Police need to know,’’ he said. Grant said police were good at dealing with investigating poaching but were often hamstrung in remote areas by under resourcing and fewer staff.
He said it was obvious who was suspicious as they tended to drive slowly at dusk or night time using a spotlight from the vehicle window whereas most motorists travelled during the day and at normal speed.
Timaru Police Sergeant Grant Lord said that routine patrols were covering the Cave, Albury and Otaio regions looking for potential poachers but no arrests had been made during lockdown.
‘‘We rely on information from the public and land owners and will keep responding to calls.’’