KEY POINTS:
A young man found with a Winchester rifle in the Tauhara Forest near Taupo claimed he was looking for his lost dog.
Joseph Richard Iki, 22, a beneficiary, appeared in the Tauranga District Court yesterday on two breaches of the Wild Animal Control Act.
He admitted hunting pigs without authority and not having a firearms licence. The court heard forest security staff found Iki driving a car containing four associates and several pig dogs.
He had no permit. He was told to do a total of 80 hours' community work and to pay $30 a week from his benefit towards outstanding fines of $11,000.
Judge Michael Crosbie also ordered destruction of the rifle.
