Three charged after deer deliberately targeted with vehicle
1 min read
A stag was struck by the vehicle and subsequently killed by those involved. Photo: Adobe Stock
Nelson Police have taken action against five people involved in an incident where a mob of around eight deer were targeted with a vehicle.
A stag was struck by the vehicle and subsequently killed by those involved.
The deer were hit about 3am on 30 March, while two vehicles were driving on the Marsden Valley Road in Stoke. Police allege the animals were targeted deliberately, while a video of the incident was subsequently uploaded online.
Following several enquiries, Police executed warrants at several Nelson properties and arrested three men.
A 20-year-old Nelson man was charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice, reckless driving, reckless ill-treatment of a wild animal, and unlawful hunting.
A 19-year-old Nelson man was also charged with unlawful hunting and reckless ill-treatment of a wild animal.
Both are due to reappear in the Nelson District Court on 29 April.
A 21-year-old Nelson man has been summonsed to appear in court on 20 May, charged with unlawful hunting. Two 16-year-olds have been referred to Youth Aid.
It is not the first time people have faced charges for unlawful hunting in Marsden Valley. In 2017, three men were arrested after a stag was killed and another deer wounded in the Marsden Valley Reserve.
Police have previously warned people about attempting to shoot animals in the area and said anyone using firearms near people’s homes could expect to lose their licences and face prosecution.
Words by Shannon Williams
