The distressing sight that greeted Scott Collins in Te Hiku Forest. Photo / Supplied
Waipapakauri man Scott Collins has few illusions about some people's propensity for barbarity, but was sickened by the discovery of a number of hens, which he believed had been poisoned and "discarded," in Te Hiku Forest.
They were all alive and sitting, as if on eggs, and twitched and shuddered
when he approached them but were unable to flee.
All the birds subsequently died, "having endured what I imagine to be a terribly horrendous drawn-out demise."
Mr Collins said horror could take on a number of forms — "We all have that which we have evolved to abhor" — and he was well travelled, so had seen his share of barbarity — but it was upsetting to see it in New Zealand.
"I have borne witness to much that might repulse others — simply as an observer — although occasionally with somewhat more intimate involvement," he said.
