Last Sunday WIRES was notified of a Galah that had been shot through the chest with an arrow and was sitting stationary on a powerline in Tamworth. The incident followed two native animals being illegally shot with arrows on the Central Coast and South Coast of NSW only days earlier.

"It is sad for WIRES to report that there have been three incidents of native animals being harpooned with arrows within 11 days of each other in NSW. This latest scenario in Tamworth is another example of reckless and inhumane behaviour towards an animal," says Justin McKee, WIRES Spokesperson.

The shooting of an animal with an arrow is prosecutable under three Acts in NSW, the Firearms Act 1996, National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979. Fines for this kind of offence are in the thousands of dollars, alternatively, a conviction may also result in a custodial sentence.

"WIRES is disgusted by this latest incident of a native animal being used for target practise. WIRES will work with NSW Police however possible to ensure these matters can be fully investigated," says Mr McKee.

On Thursday 27 Feb 2014, a brush turkey was found shot with an arrow on the Central Coast of NSW. On Friday 28th Feb, an eastern grey kangaroo was found with an arrow through its leg near the Mogo State Forest on the South Coast of NSW.

"It's time to stop trying explain these events away with by blaming children or unlicensed hunters and start acknowledging that the regulations in place in NSW are not working. We need to tighten regulations around the sale of bows and arrows and how they are stored at a very minimum.

“We ask anyone in the community with information about the shooting of this galah or any other similar incident to come forward," says McKee.

To contact WIRES phone 1300 094 737.

Acting Minister for Primary Industries Andrew Stoner media announcement on the opening of hunting in NSW State Forests:http://www.forestrycorporation.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/503065/new-safety-protocols-hunting-forests.pdf

Media Contact: WIRES (02) 8977 3327
Media Email: media@wires.org.au