A man has been charged after goats were allegedly stolen from an abattoir in the state’s Orana region last month.
About 8am on Thursday (30 July 2020), officers attached to Central North Police District and the Rural Crime Prevention Team received reports that nine goats had been stolen from an abbatoir at Nyngan the previous day.
Following inquiries, about 12pm the same day, police witnessed a white Mitsubishi Triton with cardboard registration plates travelling through the Narromine township.
Police will allege the driver ignored directions to stop and a pursuit was initiated; however, was terminated a short time later due to safety concerns.
Several goats were later found on the roadway after being ejected from the man’s car. It’s alleged the goats were unrestrained and bound in the back of the vehicle. One of the goats suffered fatal injuries.
Following extensive enquiries, about 6pm yesterday (Sunday 2 August 2020), police arrested a 27-year-old man during a traffic stop on Hoskins Street at Nyngan.
He was taken to Nyngan Police Station where he was charged with the following offences:
- steal cattle
- enter inclosed agricultural land commit prescribed offence
- police pursuit – drive dangerously
- carry/ convey animal unjustifiably inflict pain
- commit an act of aggravated cruelty upon an animal
- destroy or damage property
- drive motor vehicle during disqualification period (x2)
- use motor vehicle displaying misleading number-plate
The man was bail refused to appear before Nyngan Local Court on Monday 24 August 2020.
State Rural Crime Coordinator, Detective Inspector Cameron Whiteside said this investigation highlights the need to report all stock theft in a timely manner to your local police.
“This is an example of smaller vehicles being utilised to convey stock and supports the need for police to focus on interacting with all carriers of stock as part of Operation Stop Check,” Det Insp Whiteside said.
“Operation Stop Check is aimed at preventing stock theft and disrupting those who steal from our farmers.”
Investigations continue.
