Man shoots cats after family row

A Christchurch businessman has admitted fatally shooting two of his family cats during a firearms incident after a prolonged family argument.

Donald Gordon Sloan, 58, admitted two firearms charges and was fined $1500 by Judge Christopher Somerville in the Christchurch District Court yesterday.

Judge Somerville noted no one was endangered during the August 30 incident and no other family members were present at the Dallington property when the shooting occurred.

"I have been provided with evidence that suggests Mr Sloan was not his normal self at the time of this incident but I am not convinced that he was mentally unwell to the point where he did not have responsibility for his actions," he said.

Sloan had a long-standing interest in antique weapons and had a collection at his property.

The 12 firearms have been seized by the police and his firearms licence revoked.

He admitted possession of a Winchester rifle without a lawful, proper and sufficient purpose, and having a restricted weapon - a pistol - without the necessary licence.

Acting Sergeant Michael Tuialii said Sloan was alone at the property after arguing with his wife.

He took the rifle from the office building and into the house, where he shot the two cats.

He went back into the office and fired several shots into the floor beneath the desk.

When armed police arrived, they found a single shot pistol on the desk. Sloan said it was not in working order.

Sloan told police his wife had pushed him too far and he wanted to show her he had had enough. He admitted shooting the cats was a stupid thing to do.

Sloan acknowledged he was an alcoholic who had been dry for some time, but he had resumed drinking because of the domestic situation.

"In his angry, confused, and intoxicated state, he took one of his antique firearms, loaded it, and then killed two of the family cats," Judge Somerville said.

Sloan's lawyer Jonathan Eaton described the incident as "a cry for help" which had led to Sloan's getting the assistance he needed.

- NZPA