Rustlers spark pollution, prosecution warning

Sheep rustlers are being blamed for dumping animal remains in Northland streams, putting water quality at risk and costing the region’s ratepayers hundreds of dollars a time in clean-up costs.
Mike Nager, Environmental Monitoring Officer (Opua) for the Northland Regional Council, says in recent times there have been two instances where sheep skins and heads have been dumped into a stream near central Kaikohe.

Mr Nager says the latest incidents at the Quarry Rd site follow a similar occurrence about 18 months ago, also in the Kaikohe area.

“Locals believe rustlers are stealing sheep for food, butchering them in secret and then attempting to dispose of what remains of the evidence in the stream.”

“Another possibility is that the remains have been dumped by the sheep’s legitimate owner or owners in the mistaken belief they are able to do this legally.”

Mr Nager says some people incorrectly think it’s okay to dump such waste as they’re helping feed eels, an explanation council staff hear on a semi-regular basis.

He says regional council staff have reported the incidents to Kaikohe police, who say while they have not received any reports of sheep thefts lately, the rustling theory is plausible.

Kaikohe police ask that anyone who has had stock stolen, or who knows anything about the dumped remains, contacts them on (09) 405 2960.

Mr Nager says aside from the illegality of the apparent thefts themselves, the dumped remains pose environmental risks, with associated water quality and odour issues.

‘It also costs ratepayers several hundred dollars each time to remove the remains and dispose of them properly.”

Mr Nager warns as well as potential prosecution by the police for theft, the regional council will also consider instant fines or prosecution for breaches of its regional rules.