“There is no excuse for hunting in a National Park”

“There is no excuse for hunting in a National Park, particularly when there are half a dozen state forests within an hour’s drive which allow night time hunting with dogs,” said North-West Rural Crime Zone coordinator, Detective Sergeant Bennett Nolan.

Detective Sergeant Nolan’s comments follow an incident in Pilliga West National Park.

At about 10:15pm on Friday June 5, 2020 Police were patrolling Pilliga West National Park as part of Operation Harrier, when a grey Toyota Hilux was seen driving at low speed through the National Park, according to a statement released by the NSW Police Force’s Rural Crime department.

Two dogs were allegedly seen running along in front of the Hilux.

Rural crime said Police stopped the vehicle and observed a medium sized dead pig (sow) in the rear of the utility.

“The dogs were scanned and one was found not to be microchipped, with neither dog having a name tag on their collars.

“The man was issued a $500 infringement for ‘hunt/shoot/injure/capture  or possess animal in park’.

“Warnings were issued for other offences including ‘dog not wear collar/name tag’ and ‘not identify companion animal as prescribed’.

“Anyone who is caught illegally hunting will be on our radar and may face confiscation of vehicles and equipment.”

Detective Sergeant Nolan urged ‘responsible pig doggers’ to identify their animals correctly.

“All hunting dogs must be microchipped, registered, and wear a name tag in public.”

Anyone who would like information on how to lawfully hunt in State Forests can visit the NSW DPI Hunting Facebook page or website at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/hunting