Man escapes conviction over shot pigs

A Northland volunteer firefighter has escaped a criminal conviction after he shot and slaughtered two pet pigs, mistaking them for wild animals.

Evan Russell, a senior officer with the Kamo Fire Service, was found guilty of theft in Whangarei District Court last week, but Judge Thomas Everitt discharged him without conviction, the Northern Advocate reported.

Russell was ordered to pay Ross Cronin and his 13-year-old daughter Tiana $1500 as compensation for the trauma they experienced when their pets were killed in June last year.

Russell, hunting on a neighbouring property, mistook the tame pet Prudence, a 100kg Captain Cook sow, and one of her offspring, Olive, for wild pigs.

The court heard how a conviction could threaten Mr Russell's position as a senior officer with the Fire Service and future employment.

- NZPA