The Department of Conservation is urging the public to come forward with information following the discovery of a sea lion that was shot dead on a Catlins beach in Otago.
The sea lion was located at Tautuku Beach on September 10 and aside from the gunshot wound, the animal appeared to be in good health.
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Biodiversity ranger Ros Cole says sea lions are considered critically endangered animals.
"A local vet performed a necropsy confirming what we suspected the sea lion had been shot," she said.
"It's really disheartening someone would do this, sea lions are not only critically endangered but also a taonga species special to Ngāi Tahu.
"To discover someone has such reckless disregard for our protected species is extremely disappointing."
Anyone convicted of injuring or killing a sea lion can face up to two years' imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000 under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978, or up to five years' prison and a fine of $100,000 under the Animal Welfare Act 1999.
Sea lions are fully protected animals in New Zealand, with the same threat classification as kākāpō and kiwi.
Any members of the public with information are asked to contact Owaka police on 03 419 1070.
Newshub.
