New Zealand Bird Cruelty Case

The two men convicted of the savage attack which killed 32 birds in the Temuka Aviary—see story below—were Jonathan Fleming and Simiona John who were sentenced to 12 months imprisonment. Fleming was then sentenced to a further 14 months jail from other charges, a total of 26 months prison sentence. The third man charged with killing the birds was acquitted due to insufficient evidence.

THE TIMARU HERALD

Reported by Bethany Marett

Previous Report

Three men have been charged over the deaths of 32 Temuka Aviary birds at Timaru District Court yesterday.

The prosecuted, aged 21, 22 and 27 were jointly charged with burglary and wilfully ill-treating 32 aviary housed birds, causing them to die.

Duty solicitor Killie Walker said one of the three men charged had not been accused of killing any of the birds. Another one of the accused faces further charges of preverting the course of justice by making a false statement to the police after conspiring to give a false alibi.

Locals, including Timaru Bird Club vice-president, Pat Rule, were outraged at the malicious act and were told that the three men remanded on bail would reappear in court on September 15.

ABK will report on the next hearing after this date.

THE TIMARU HERALD, Reported by Bethany Marett

© ABK Publications