Imagine.. it has been a long day, and you have just returned home and settled into a comfortable position, you are resting peacefully. Then.. vehicles and BMX bikes tear across your backyard, jolting you from your peaceful state.
Five years ago, 11-month old endangered New Zealand sea lion/pakake pup Rua was found stabbed to death on a rocky beach on the Otago Peninsula. Under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978, it is illegal to “take, catch, kill, injure, attract, poison, tranquillise, herd, harass, disturb, or possess” a New Zealand sea lion/pakake. Within days of Rua being found, Police raided the home of local man Graeme Mark Lowery and seized the bayonet used in the murder. It was supposed to be an open and shut case; however, this month Mr Lowery had the charges against him dismissed following an extended series of errors. On Sunday the 28th, a young person was witnessed harassing resting sea lions on Tomahawk Beach about 4:30pm. He was sighted riding around and “harassing sea lions.” Anyone with information is urged to call 105 and quote P048775986.
If there was ever a time to speak up on behalf of New Zealand sea lions/pakake and other endangered wildlife, NOW is the time. Please sign our petition on Change.org: https://www.change.org/ProtectNewZealandSeaLion, calling upon the Clutha District Council to protect sea lions from vehicular vandalism.