$5,000 reward offered after pig attacked, chickens killed

A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the person, or people, responsible for killing chickens and attacking a pig at a permaculture farm in Nimbin.

The attack on the animals at  Djanbung Gardens early Wednesday has outraged the community and shocked staff at the farm.

Six chickens were killed and another had to be put down, and the farm pig, Polly, was injured in the attack. The latch on the chicken house door was damaged and three Balinese-style sickles were missing that were stored in a box on the roof of the pig house.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Australia said the reward was being offered for information leading to the identification and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this horrific crime.

Campaign coordinator Claire Fryer said ‘because animals cannot report abuse and can do little to fight back, they’re often used as ‘practice’ victims by those who tend towards violence’.

‘Research in psychology and criminology shows that people who commit acts of cruelty to animals often go on to commit violent acts against their fellow humans,’ she said.

‘As long as the perpetrator of this crime is at large, other animals – including humans – might also be in danger.

‘Animal abusers are cowards.

‘We’re appealing to anyone with information on the person or persons responsible for this cruel act to come forward so that the perpetrators can be put where they belong: in jail.’

Cruelty to animals in New South Wales carries a penalty of up to $22,000 or five years’ imprisonment under the Crimes Act 1990 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979. Anyone with information about this case should call the RSPCA on 1300 278 3589.