Gardener’s 'cruel' act with native bird sparks criminal investigation
An investigation is underway after the resident shared home security footage with the RSPCA.
WARNING — GRAPHIC CONTENT: Shocking footage of a gardener violently killing a plover with a whipper snipper while carrying out lawn maintenance services at a residential property has sparked a criminal investigation.
Home security footage captured the man walk across the Beresfield driveway in the NSW Hunter region and approach a plover believed to be brooding on the grass. The native bird spread out its wings — a known defensive behaviour — before the man turned on the grass cutting instrument and aimed it at the bird.
The man later appears to use his foot to injure the plover further and disposes of it in the resident's bin as another co-worker watches on.
Homeowner called RSPCA after witnessing footage
The resident who posted the footage online said he contacted the RSPCA after he found out what had happened in his front yard. He claims the plover's eggs were retrieved from his bin and given to the RSPCA who confirmed to Yahoo News a cruelty report was lodged at the time.
The resident said he had warned the workers of the nesting plover prior to their arrival on November 14.
"He messaged to say he was coming the next day and we told him that there was a plover nesting there and to not do that side," the resident wrote.
Online Aussies condemned the man calling the act "cruel" and a "disgrace".
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Criminal investigation underway
It has been confirmed a criminal investigation is being carried out by The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS).
"The NPWS is aware of this incident and has been working with the RSPCA on the criminal investigation," a spokesperson told Yahoo News. "The online footage is shocking and extremely upsetting."
Like all native animals, plovers are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Act and harming them is an offence, with a maximum penalty of over $14,000.
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