The Longreach Stock and Rural Crime Investigation Squad is appealing for public information after reports of livestock being deliberately run over in the Barcaldine Regional Council area.
Incidents of cattle being hit have been reported on Narbethong and Tumbar Roads and the Landsborough Highway, as well as sheep being struck on the Aramac Road, north of Barcaldine.
In one incident an injured animal had to be euthanised by its owner after being left badly injured from what investigators believe was a vehicle strike.
Detective Sergeant Dave Perry said the incidents were definitely not accidental.
“In one case, the perpetrator would have had to have driven 50m off the highway to strike the animal.
“In the Tumbar Road incident, a mailbox was rammed at the same time, most likely by the same person.
“These are not cases of innocent people not reporting an accident.”
Police are reminding people that deliberately striking animals with a vehicle is a form of animal cruelty and is treated as a serious offence by the Queensland Police Service.
“Producers face enough hardship without having their stock wilfully killed or maimed,” DS Perry said.
“We are appealing for information from the public to stop these crimes and identify those responsible for these offences.”
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or ring the Longreach Stock and Rural Crime Investigation Squad on 4652 5202.
Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
