POULTRY THEFTS IN N.Z.

Press, Volume XCI, Issue 27639, 21 April 1955, Page 14

POULTRY THEFTS IN N.Z.

INDUSTRY CONCERNED AT INCREASE BOARD TO SEEK HIGHER PENALTIES -The Press” Special Service WELLINGTON, April 20. The increase in poultry thefts and the lack of deterrent penalties imposed by magistrates are the subject of editorial comment in, the latest issue of the “New Zealand/Poultry World.” “In the old days, when poultry was only valued at a few shillings, there was some excuse for magistrates viewing poultry thefts leniently,” says the journal, “but today, good breeding birds are worth £2 or more each. In one instance where birds under progeny tests were stolen, years of research work were lost and probably some extremely valuable birds were consigned to the pot by the thieves. “Australian magistrates look upon poultry thefts seriously, and in a recent case where a poultrykeeper shot a thief in the hand, which required hospital treatment., the thief was fined £5O. The poultrykeeper was awarded’ £25 for the loss of- -12 birds. “In New Zealand, however, a poultry keeper was-fined £5O for discharging a firearm while attempting to frighten thieyes away from his property. He also lost 25 birds during the incident as the thieves were not apprehended. “The New Zealand Poultry Board, to assist producers in the case of thefts when the culprits have been caught, proposes to provide legal assistance to see that the producer will be protected from loss during a Court action and also to press for deteiTent penalties, says the article. “The board will also seek an amending regulation to the Crimes Act to have poultry brought within the scope of other classes of stock.”