Anger at park bird carnage

The deliberate shooting of three birds at Feilding's Kowhai Park aviary last week has drawn angry responses.

Neighbours called police last Tuesday night when they heard shots from Kowhai Park and discovered birds had been shot.

Four birds died. One of the offenders captured it all on his cellphone pxt camera.

Police say the three offenders were aged 13 to 15.

A family group conference will be held before a decision is made on whether the youths will face prosecution.

Feilding resident Trevor Pedley, in a letter to the Feilding Herald, describes the offenders as "rotten little scum bags".

"I would like to see, set up by our clock tower, a set of stocks so that we could all have a go for an hour or two giving these mongrels a taste of their own.

" I have had enough of these thugs running havoc in our nice town and suggest that if the stocks don't get approval then they be sent off to military-disciplined training for a few months so respect at least could be taught."

Manawatu District Council reserves manager Albert James said he was sickened by the incident.

And he says if the police decide not to prosecute the boys, the council will.

"As a native, the kereru is protected, so we can charge them under the Wildlife Act," Mr James said.

"They took the gun with them and videoed the act, so it was deliberate, and no matter what their age, they should be made to answer for their actions."

As well as the keruru, the youths shot a sulphur- crested cockatoo and a wild muscovy duck.

The cockatoo, a favourite with park visitors for 15 years, was severely wounded and taken to the Massey University vet clinic where it was humanely killed.

A small quail in a neighbouring enclosure was also found dead. It is believed to have died of stress.

Mr James said it is the first incident of its type at the aviary since it was opened more than 30 years ago.

The muscovy duck was one of three that have mixing with park visitors for some time.

"The three of them are well known. They are so big they couldn't fly if they tried," he said.

"It's not hunting, it's not sport, it's a deliberate, wanton act.

"Many people walk through the park as part of their daily routine, and they have built up a relationship with the birds.

"And then these idiots come along and destroy it without any conscience at all."