KEY POINTS:
The death penalty? That is what some readers think should be the punishment for the person who poisoned birds at Western Springs Reserve.
A few others think the birds were a nuisance and are not mourning the action.
This forum debate has now closed. Here is a selection of your views on the topic.
PCB
He / she should be brought before an understanding tribunal who will work out the reasons behind such actions and set out a plan of rehabilitation . …. . No that is from the Sue Bradford book of Green Party punishment. What I would like is to see the vermin have to clean up the entire grounds wearing signage stating what kind of person they are (including shovelling out the refuse others dump in the shallows of the lake).
Ralph
There are far to many birds at the park anyway. You can not find a place to sit on the grass for bird shit. It is disgusting really. I think it was a good job. I am sure the council would love to have done the job but would never have got away with. The only problem was it should have happened on a wider scale but with less suffering to the birds. Society is so hypocritical about the welfare of animals when for over 150 years the nations economy has been built on their death. We should spend more time looking after underprivileged families and their children.
Bruce
The last time I was at Western Springs the number of birds and the amount of bird poop made it a fairly revolting place to visit. There needed to be a major cull. The poisoner has very wrongly taken matters into her own hands and used a cruel method. Notwithstanding this the place needs to be relieved of half its bird population.
Tony
I dont think the person should be punished, as they are only geese and ducks and most humans eat them at their local Chinese restaurant or at Christmas.
Marcia
Surely if you do not like birds, you do not go to Western Springs! There are many parks around Auckland that are bird free. I cant believe people are congratulating the person or persons that intentionally killed so many defenceless birds.
J Barratt
He should be sent to jail for a long time. But saying that he is a murder (while true) is stupid when it comes from people who eat chickens that come from battery farms. Is a chicken growing up in absolutely cruel conditions and finally killed for your Sunday roast worth less then some birds that had a great life and then got killed? Open your eyes hypocrites.
Matthew Brown
Incarceration at Guantanamo Bay where he/she could be with like-minded people.
Rich O
I think a fair sentence would be to send them to Iraq with a bottle of water and see how long they last....
Rachel K
I think it is hilarious that people are demanding that such harsh punishment be given to the person responsible - you can kill someone and get away with less! However, I do agree with whoever suggested he do community service with the RSPCA and he / she could probably do with some sort of counseling . psychiatric assessment!
Fay
That story made me feel sick. I have taken my kids to the park and now taking the grandkids to the park to walk and feed the birds. I am glad we did not see that happening but hope the person is caught and given to the SPCA to do hours of work also made to pay for the cleanup of the park, fire and police time. Then put them in stocks at the park so we can all come to mock and throw poison at them.
Helen
I am at a loss as to why someone would do this to helpless wildlife. They are lower than scum and should be treated as such. What should their punishment be? An eye for an eye. Do the same to them. I would like to see them go through the same agony.
Sharlene
The bugger should be made to bury the birdy bodies, then spend 3 months as maintenance lacky at the reserve, give him all the stinky jobs, evil little bugger!
Chris
A mindless and senseless act for sure, however lets have some balance back here. Animals are poisoned and killed every day and ducks are shot, wounded, and suffer at the hands of hunters, all legally I might add. If caught this person should be punished, but if he/she is going to be punished for cruelty to animals then so should all the hunters and DOC workers out there.
Ian Rawkins
He or she should be made to work with animals (supervised)so they can learn the value of life and what they wantonly destroyed.
Joe
Nothing less than the death penalty.
Trish Taylor
I think whoever did this to these birds must have an issue or a with them and possibly live local to the park. When they are found they should be given a dose of something that has the same effect on them so they see what it is like. Put them in stocks so everyone could watch them too. They don't deserve privacy! Good on the Nanny for acting quickly, it could have been a lot worse if she had done nothing. I know that is an eye for an eye but that is the way or society is going. Maybe the justice system should do the same, then a lot of these silly buggers might think twice before doing theses horrible things.
Melissa
I hope that this person is found and charged accordingly and not just given a slap on the hand and a fine, I think once he or she is caught that NZ should be shown who did this.I can not believe anyone in there right mind would want to harm the ducks etc at western springs how can people do this. This is such a beautiful place to walk around. The poor birds. I hope whoever did this is feeling pretty crap about themselves.
Animal Lover
This guy should do one to two years in jail- at Mt Eden. No parole and hard labour.
Anne-Marie
I can not get over the fact that this person actually feels they have the moral right to decide whether these birds live or die, and whether the rest of us get to enjoy them or not. The clandestine and premeditated nature of the attack leaves me sick. Obviously the calls for death or poisoning are well over the top (and I hope they were said tongue-in-cheek) but I do think it warrants some prison time, plus a fine to cover costs. If the person avoided prison then community parks service would be good. What a shame we cant employ old-fashioned methods of punishment, like some time in the stocks with a sign around their neck and a convenient supply of old tomatoes.
Glenn Donald
Some people spend a lifetime looking after and caring for animals and a very small percentage commit these mindless crimes. he park is there to be enjoyed by all and a offers a limited number of wildlife a small sanctuary.What goes around comes around.Put up some security cameras,a few undercover police,because the deranged individual will probably do it again. So people only learn through jail terms,when there freedom gets taken away from them. Dont hand down a light sentence either,it could have been worse,ie a small child affected.
Jason
I believe they should get the electric chair, turned down a little so the person slowly but surely fries over about 2-3 days. This will take place after giving them their final meal, being the very grain that they fed to the birds at the park. They will then be fully rehabilitated. After that their family will pay court costs and clean up costs for creating such an ungrateful and destructive child.
Martin
Those birds are there to teach kids to love and respect animals, they have a right to go about their lives safe from people like this bastard. I say public lynching,public humiliation,make this person eat some of the poison. I have used this poison to relocate birds and not killed a single bird. Its safe in the right hands,like anything idiots get hold of.
Corey
Make that person eat the poison.
Jill
Jail time. Birds are living things, beautiful creatures that benefit our environment. Whoever did this deserves jail time, non parole. That person is disgusting and if he/she doesnt get caught soon he or she will keep killing more birds. Who knows- he/she might advance to our pets, then children then people. That person/persons is no different to convicted murderers.
Gill
It is a disgrace anyone can buy poisons off the shelf to kill birds. This is a common practice with cafes,Councils and gardeners. Killing birds so they dont sit on tables etc. wont eat seeds or plants.In Singapore, people are trained not to feed the birds and the birds dont come around. ow, maybe someone will listen to Bob Kerridge.
Rachel
You should give them poison and see how they like it.I think it is disgusting somebody could think of doing such a horrible act. Poor little birds.
Lynette
The offender should be subjected to some of their own medicine - give them a poison that will do to them what they have done to defenceless animals. How dare they!
Glenn
Lock them up and throw away the key - sicko!
Dick Thompson
The NZ Herald has any amount of subscribers that will favor the death penalty, for extreme animal cruelty! This "Auckland" bird poisoner might be more usefully employed in Iraq, in company with sadistic American teenagers, as a "right of passage" to [his or her] eventual maturity. -Perhaps P.M. Helen Clark should volunteer her NZ convicts, rather than grant parole on liberal terms, with the aim of promoting a safer NZ Society? Kiwis might get lucky enough, to have an immediate reduction in recidivist offending if Helen discussed "civilian aid" options, with George Bush.
Kim Hutcheson
Pretty disturbing, but I fail to see how it can be compared to mass poisoning of humans. The person should be severely fined. To jail them would put them in the big house with rapists, kiddy fiddlers etc, is it really comparable to that?
GT
Whether you like the birds or not, does not make it any less wrong for somebody to attack them like this. They are suffering terribly as a result of this individuals actions, and the sad thing is that it was probably meant as a "practical joke". I agree that they should foot the bill for the cleanup, and the care of the surviving birds. They should also be made to work for BirdWing and assist in nursing the sick birds back to health so they can see the damage they've done both to the birds, and the community.
Carlton
Folks let all face it, the writing hass been on the wall all along - or should I say graffiti. But society has become complacent with turning a blind eye and to look the other way. Yes - it all begins with that sickening scawl in our neighbourhoods. Its that what breeds a sick mind and polarises those that pass through its zones. Sadly we have become so complacent that we turn a blind eye towards such vandalism, such mindless carnage of public property and "living earth" in our Godzone. And if it continues, will be more of a Hellzone of sorts. Our politicians are simply on the bandwagon of pussyfooting with legislation.. yet nothing is done about how to effectively enforce the law and order situation. We are toothless when it comes to curtailing crime.. as a result there is absolutely no deterrent , rather more of an encouragement to do your worse. New Zealand its high time we all awoke and stopped clamouring about rights - rather dwell on the duties such sick, despicable idiots need to respect instead.
Jeff
Just because residents of Western Springs may have a preference to fewer birds in the park is not justification to kill them. If indeed this is the reasons as being implied by boggers then it is almost as despicable to take the matter into your own hands as it was to commit the crime. I run through Western springs often and enjoy dodging the wildlife. It is their home, it is merely our park, if I was to lay poison on your lawn because your children were noisy would that be justifiable?
Robert Hall
Force feed the B* about 4Kg of the poisoned grain.
Amanda
When humans are enjoying a birds habitat they should have some respect. Noise, bird shit or whatever the case-the birds live in the park and we live in our houses so deal with it. You wouldnt go round to someones house that is noisy and shove poison in their food. Justice should be served by the perpetrator but by education over fines. A severe amount of community service (in the environment) would teach this person more than a trial, or a sum of money would. Give back to the community what they took away.
Tracey
What sort of person would kill like that. How would they like it. They need to have the same punishment as they inflicted on the birds.
Roslyn
The killer needs to feel how the birds suffered but more slowly than the birds did. A sick mind is what this person has.
Glen
The culprits who did this need to be taught a lesson, because this maybe was a trial run and the next time it will be at a catering event where the targets will be humans!. The total blatant disrespect for life is sickening, and in todays society where corporal punishment is not applicable, what punishment will they get? Community service? I dont think so they should get a nice lengthy jail term and I am sure the "friendly inmates" will teach them the value of life, and may they have plenty of time to ponder their actions!.
Lisa
I am very saddened by this. I am a NZer living in Canada and read the NZ online papers daily...and if I can, so can anyone anywhere in the world. NZ was once the land of milk and honey; the sort of place that seldom rated a mention in the news. Alas, those halcyon days are well and truly gone. This sick act of poisoning birds in an Auckland park is just another nail in NZs coffin. The short term effect is the slow and painful death of the birds. The long term effect is the example that this depraved act in a beautiful, formerly peaceful nation gives to the rest of the world. As to the perpetrator, give him 5 years hard labour, and a diet of birdseed and water. That ought to do the trick!
Thomas
A horrible, horrible act, certainly they should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. We live locally and visit the Springs regularly with our little girl to feed the birds. However is it not true that this poison is legally available in NZ and is used, in certain situations, to kill birds in exactly this fashion? Perhaps the Herald can provide further information on who legitimately uses it and for what reasons. What about rat poison, 1080 drops and cyanide baits? I dont expect the effects on other animals will be any less distressing than this. Perhaps this is a good time for our society debate the use of these methods of animal control...
David
Death penalty.
Peter
Ideally a minimum 5yrs jail non parole period. The courts need to send a clear message this despicable act will not be tolerated.
Keith
Perhaps the culprit should be given a sack of their own poison to try? I would not want them put in jail as that just costs you and I more taxes.While I dont agree with what this person has done, does every decent sized bit of fresh water in the Auckland area have to be reserved for water foul or people to sail on? I for one would love to be able to use my powered radio control boat at the Western Springs pond. I dont because I am almost certain someone would complain.
Masubaru
This person must be unwell mentally. A human who is cruel to animals is also cruel to humans. Put him on some form of medication so he can not do it again.Maybe a twilight sleep pill?
Jimmy
I find it ironic that the majority of people commenting on this deplorable act will possibly be sitting down tonight to a chicken dinner. That these birds were kept (and killed) in public isnt any different to those kept in cages, breed specifically for mass consumption. But it is ok to think that it is?
Emma
I agree with Sean, Name and Shame the moron. I am constantly amazed at the the type of people we have wondering around in the community. If they do manage to find the loser the penalty they will receive through the courts will be woefully inadequate. Make them wear a vest with "animal torturer" on it and walk around Western Springs scraping Bird pooh off the ground.
Raewyn
Toss the book at whoever did this - hell, toss several - preferably large and hard covered. Those birds have made a greater positive contribution to this planet than the perpetuator(s) of this act will ever achieve.
Jesse
Forget ending it quickly, make them go through the same pain and suffering as those poor birds went through. Work through a menu of torture - eye for an eye.As a starter, a simple poison with a delicate complement of New Zealand's finest red petrol, then light. The main course is comprised of their roasted leg, with a side of (their) battered fingers. For desert, forget it, they don't deserve it - let them convulse to death like the poor animals.
Karen
The low life should be made to pay for the clean up and thrown in prison for the maximum of three years and fined $25000 dollars!!!
Keiran
Sure the bird population is overwhelming at Western Springs, but , it is not the role of a sick individual to take it to the level of killing the birds themselves! Very lucky no young kids found the poison first otherwise the guy would be up for manslaughter charges. A very sad day for a great area of Auckland and lets hope when the perp is caught he will be treated harshly, after all murderers start off killing animals first!
GT
Western Springs is a wildlife sanctuary - the birds have more right to be there than the people.To those of you saying that this was a good thing to do because you dont like getting bird poo on your precious children - get over yourself.
Karen
I thought long and hard about this and came up with everything from hang the bastard, to make them spend 6 months working alongside an SPCA inspector. But at the end of the day the person responsible for this has got a big bit missing so no amount of punishment or therapy will alter their mindset. After watching a psychiatrist interview a serial killer (who began his reign of terror as a child with appalling acts of animal cruelty) and realising that this killer simply did not have the capacity to feel for his victims, I was able to get my head around the concept of no remorse.Therefore, the public has a right to know who this person is and where they live - ongoing - so that they can protect their community from this persons sickness for as long as their worthless backside points groundwards.
Victoria
Or could this be another "ploy" set up by the Local Council/Government to play on the publics emotional juices to initiate another law passing bill for the good of the public! This smells like a rat and a big one folks so dont go thinking someone is suddenly this bad to blatantly plant something so very inhumane, I dont think so just wait and see the next write up by the councils or government shall we?. Wake up people. Your rights are being whittled away. Be safe and be informed.
Tim Spooner
Mans inhumanity to man starts with mans inhumanity to animals. Whilst appalled by this case of cruelty, perhaps people would spare a thought for the animals on the back of stock trucks next time they pass one, on their way to be slaughtered in a violent death, especially Halal slaughter. We hate to hear of beheadings of people but dont care that the same thing happens to sheep in Auckland.
Philip
The person responsible should be punished in accordance with the law! Just because a crime is emotionally disturbing to the public, it does not give Joe Average the right to decide an arbitrary punishment. Mob justice is not justice, and I am not impressed with your obvious ploy for page-views via such a leading question!
Peter Gilberd
What is wrong with people today,I live in Canada now but I was brought up in the western suburbs. In my early teens I lived at western springs park and the zoo. How anybody could hurt harmless birds I don't know, but If it was left to me to punish the person(s)I would feed them the leftovers of grain and leave them to fend for themselves. I hope the courts throw the book at them.
Betty Mueller
I see this evil act as a violation of trust. We take it for granted that the food we eat is safe. These beautiful birds have been giving pleasure to us for a long time and are part of my childhood memories. They trust us and for them to be murdered in such a painful way is unconscionable. Firstly the police have got to take it seriously as these disturbed people start with birds and animals and next proceed to children and adults. They must be caught and made an example of. Put them in the stocks and cover them with golden syrup,or honey that will attract bees and wasps and see how they like it. Then attempt to re-educate them on the sanctity of life. We used to have a wonderful country. What has happened to us?
Owen
They deserve a medal, about time someone did something about those birds. We no longer take the kids to that park because they come back covered in bird poo and get attacked by the geese. Congratulations, should have happened years ago
Rachel
I think one of the local residents has decided the birds are too noisy -we all know Western Springs residents seem to have a problem with noise. ;o)
WG
Yes, it is a horrible act and I do not condone, but anyone who has visited Western Springs lately will see that the Bird population is way out of control. Bird cleansing is needed! You can not sit on the grass for fear of sitting on bird poo, my 4 year old has been chased by the deranged geese and the pigeons spread disease. Not a particularly nice place to visit in my opinion. Even more so with poison laid down. In my view this should spur the council to take action and control the population in a more humane way.
Alice Owen
These animals should not be poisoned but the park has become overrun with birds, there are very few places to sit in the park without being harrassed by squawking birds and while I do not condone poisoning them there is no doubt they have not been managed well. One used to be able to do a lot at the park, now due to the excessive bird droppings everywhere it isnt possible. I remember when the birds hung more around the lake - now they are absolutely everywhere.
Stu
I think it is quite disturbing that so many people would invoke the death penalty on this person. Thank goodness there is not such a thing as lynch mobs. I dread to think what inhumanity would take place for the sake of "justice". To feed the perpetrator poison? Did you just hear what you said about another human being? You would willingly inflict that kind of suffering on someone who clearly has significant issues—be it emotional or mental health. Perhaps we should all just pause before we act. Punishment is important, I agree. But let us find out the "why" before we respond with our judgement. That is what you all would want too isnt it?
Dean
Simple, get this person to consume the same amount of poison as distributed through Western Springs. Then, if they are still kicking, get them to eat some more.
Warren G
Simple. When caught get him or her to eat 1 kg of the substance they left at Western Springs. No cost to the state!.
Anonymous
I think we should give this person/s a taste of their own medicine. Feed them the poison and see how like it, its the only decent penalty people like this deserve.
Siobhann
The offenders should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. They should be made to pay for the clean up and the emergency services time. The offenders should also have to make compulsory donations to the SPCA and Birdwing. Cruelty to animals is not acceptable.
Graham Hutton
The punishment should fit the crime. This person should do a daily (every day) set of chores (under supervision & none of this soft mamby pamby nonsense...hard yakka and serious effort) for a minimum of a year keeping the park clean, looking after the water fowl and and other animals in the park. But it wont happen and there will be no discouragement other than a slap on the wrist and some pathetic 20 hours community service or a suspended sentence.
Fiona
The person responsible for the poisoning of the innocent animals should be punished to the full extent that the law allows - preferably a prison sentence and a substantial fine.
Dan
The same as for human poisoning. This is a sick person and next it will be humans.
Emma Wilson
A psychiatric assessment at the very least and community service at the SPCA or public humiliation. i.e name, address and occupation printed in the paper.
Kwan
The persons name should be published for all to see. He shall be charged with the same sentence as a mass murderer. Animals have the same rights as any other human being to live on this earth, and should never be killed for the entertainment of a physco.
Jess
Death would be too good for that bastard.
Moussaka
What if this poisoning turns out to be a company that "accidentally" dumped/spilt this poison into the Western springs area? Previous chemical spills are usually dealt with in the most feeble of manors - a small fine. However people on this forum are suggesting death if it was an individual responsible. So... what if it is a company? The only effective response is cancellation of the corporate charter: expunging from the companies office records, and dissolution on all company assets. Any net proceeds after paying off debts to go to the restoration of the park and animal inhabitants.
Jacqui
Whoever did this - give them the maximum penalty for animal cruelty - then double it - then seize whatever assets they have and award them to the SPCA.
Annette
Really, why bother asking the public as the government feels they have the right to do and say anything is theirs only. And when they find that the decisions they have made are bad.... then they offer a feeble apology! The person/s will probably get a fine (which they will take about 10-20 years to pay off), do community service & that's about it! My suggestion is feed the rubbishes the same poison that they have served out. Why is NZ adamant that people should not get served the same they have dished out? That is why this country has become so destructive. People get home-detention for murder! I mean really... people have lost their lives, families have been destroyed but no, the murderer is aloud to have a life? Give me a break! Bring back the death penalty, give sentences according to the crime! Now if this is one of your kids, you are not even allowed to spank them for such a heinous crime. You must now sit down & talk to them about what they have done. Common NZ get real!
Sean Kirton
If this despicable act does not warrant the maximum jail sentence, what on earth would?! Whoever saw this person, please come forward!
Mike
Another very sad indictment on society. The punishment needs to be a serious deterrent and there's plenty to choose from here!
Matt Elvin
The person that poisoned the birds needs some serious help and should be taken out of society to be treated. After treatment the person should do some serious community work and only be released from care when they no longer have this callous disregard for animal life. This is an awlful act by someone that has obviously lost an important element of mental balance and human kindness.
Jenny Jeffries
Community Service, 2 weeks supervised work cleaning up rubbish in parks and community areas, name and photo as well, so that folks can see what such a person looks like. Counselling.
John Roscoe
The culprit should be made to spend the equivalent of 6 months full-time hard work (1000 hours) in the park and working for an animal or bird rescue organisation.
Rebecca Gray
Someone who would do this will not have the capability to feel any empathy to animals, even their own. Making them do commumity service will not work, making them work with the animals also will not work it will just give them more ideas on how to harm. People like this need to be hurt in a way that affects them and their family. Worst case, imagine if they have children, what are they teaching them?
Anita
This person who did this is obviously mentally ill. Sad news - as the birds bring so much joy into so many lives. Totally callus behaviour - recommend person to be rehabilitated at Auckland Zoo for at least 1000 hours of community work. In the old days they would recommend the offender to wear a sign "I am a Bird Killer" - how appropriate!
D.V. Bailey
The phenomenal cruelty shown here is really staggering. I am torn between thinking that the sort of person who would do such a thing is in need of help and on the other hand wanting to see an equally cruel revenge inflicted upon them. Maybe they are a victim of some sort of abuse, lashing out, or perhaps there is some sort of mental illness involved - who can fathom the motivation behind such an act? If this is the case then I would support options such as counselling or psychiatric care. On the other hand, it is conceivable that this is the work of somebody (or multiple somebodies) who actually thought this would be funny somehow, who felt no concern for the animals they were condemning to a horrible death or the upset it would cause those who would encounter them or have to clean up the mess. For this sort of pathetic human being I have no sympathy, and it is saddening to think that if apprehended or convicted they will probably get away with no worse than a fine or some community service.
Jan
There is too much getting away with too much crime in this country. We need to get tougher and less concerned with the rights of the criminal and focus on the rights of the victims - in this case innocent animals in their environment that were needlessly cruelly killed. This could have been a kids prank to get into the media or a sick waste of space - either way we need to hold them accountable.
L.D
I believe the penalty should be huge, although doubt this will happen. If a person is sick enough to hurt animals a small fine or bit of community service really won't change their strange way of thinking. As for Brents comment - people can have leisure time elsewhere. If you are not an animal person, dont go where they are animals. I have been there plenty of times with kids & adults and none of the birds have ever attacked us. I guess if we annoyed them or chased them it would be different but thats another story.
Jim
He should be made to dress as a duck and go quack, quack, quack quack all day
Greg
They should be paraded around Western Springs with a banner saying that I killed the bird life, and let the public deal with them.
Cris
I cannot understand the mentality of some people. As for punishment - how do you ever get through to these kinds. Certainly couldn't give them voluntary work in the SPCA! Maybe cleaning the scum off the bottom of the lakes would suit them.
Sarah H
I feel close to tears that these poor birds have been needlessly killed in cold blood. No-one has the right to kill these birds and even the worst penalty won't bring them back. I was at the park a couple of weeks ago for the Pasifika festival and spent some time watching these beautiful creatures and they were giving so many people such joy. For some person/s to take them away is just disgusting!
Andrene Low
Sing them for target practice sounds like a good idea. Thats the scum who laid the poison, not the birds!
Nicky
A fine payable as a donation to the SPCA to recoup their costs and community service, cleaning up parks or suchlike -- preferably ones without a resident duck population.
Mikal
Strangulation...
Warren Lee
It makes you really think about the kind of person this is and the lack of respect for any life . People of this nature should be locked up, as killing animals can some times lead to people.
Dylan Bland
Jail time. Cruelty to animals should not be tolerated in todays society.
Sophie E
I have hand-fed those geese, ducks and pukekoe alike. They are all lovely creatures who deserve life just as anyone else on this planet. This person deserves a jail term based on planning a mass murder - simple a
