The sentencing of a 67-year-old Ahipara farmer who admitted killing a protected fur seal pup and taking it home to feed his chooks has been adjourned.
Gregory Ernest Davan, who has already been prosecuted by the Far North District Council for owning dogs that attacked a protected species, appeared in the Kaitaia District Court on Thursday after admitting two charges laid by the Department of Conservation of taking and possessing a marine mammal.
Both charges carry maximum penalties of two years' imprisonment or a fine of up to $250,000 but the Crown is calling for community work.
However, Davan cannot currently be subjected to a community-based sentence because he is serving a prison term on an unrelated conviction.
Judge D A Burns delayed sentencing until August 30, by which time he should have been released. He told the defendant to prepare evidence of his financial means because DoC was seeking costs.