Temuka trio accused of bird killings appear in court

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Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:00a.m.

More than 30 parrots, galahs and other exotic birds were senselessly killed in Temuka’s bird zoo two weeks ago

More than 30 parrots, galahs and other exotic birds were senselessly killed in Temuka’s bird zoo two weeks ago

By Juanita Copeland

South Canterbury bird lovers converged on the Timaru District Court for the appearance of three men, following a blood-thirsty raid on a Temuka aviary.

More than 30 parrots, galahs and other exotic birds were senselessly killed in Temuka’s bird zoo two weeks ago.

Jonathan Fleming, a 22-year-old fisherman, is charged with breaking into the aviary, killing the birds, and then lying about it.

He is jointly charged with 27-year-old unemployed man Simiona John, and 21-year-old builder Luke Michael Kirkaldie.

Police did not outline in court exactly what happened in the aviary, but those who found the birds – some with their heads and wings ripped off – are in no doubt.

“They’ve committed murder,” says Pat Rule, Vice President of the Timaru Bird Club.

“These birds did nothing except give joy to hundreds of people who visit this aviary in Temuka.”

All three men are Temuka locals.

The trio have all given video taped interviews to police, but they would not tell the court if they contain a confession. They are not allowed to associate with each other.

The men were remanded on bail without plea to reappear on September 15.

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Comments

13 Sep 2009 05:53p.m.

Human wrote:

I heard those bird killers in Temuka were interbred rednecks..where else do you get like THREE likeminded freaks all willing to participate in the same abhorrent act of senseless violence. WTF? Are their families & parents related??

24 Aug 2009 05:36p.m.

Tamara wrote:

absolutly disgusted that any human being could hurt innocence birds in a public viewing gallery, they deserve to be shot,

23 Aug 2009 11:42p.m.

Nicky wrote:

I am so angry with the disgusting and unforgivable behaviour of the three men involved and only hope that they are punished accordingly. Unfortunately, they probably won't go to prison as our prisons are overcrowded but I hope they get their just punishment. On my way back from holiday, I went to visit the aviary and watched the few remaining beautiful birds giving such pleasure. It really upset me to think of those poor little innocent birds who died senselessly and in such a callous manner.

I read letters from children who expressed their hurt at losing some of their feathered friends. It just about broke my heart. We must make sure this doesn't happen again. Has anyone thought of raising money to build a new and better aviary? I am willing to be involved in any way to support the remaining birds.

22 Aug 2009 12:27p.m.

Shannon wrote:

Coming from Temuka, I can assure you the town is up in arms! It's such a small community and this sort of thing is completely unheard of! I still can't believe what has happened, those birds were the pride and joy of the town, and no visit to the park was complete without a visit to chat with Harry the cockatoo. The three local boys have revolted the entire country, and I deeply hope they get their comeuppance!

20 Aug 2009 09:37a.m.

Shane Murphy wrote:

Torturing small animals is one of the classic triad of behaviours of serial killers in the making. Having seen some of the birds that went to the aviary they were a joy to all with any empathy intact. These scum need appropriate punishment to act as deterrent to others, but also need psychiatric treatment while in prison. As for their "supporters" including the one who interfered with the television camera at court; a large dose of shame and humility is more appropriate behaviour.

19 Aug 2009 10:32p.m.

Jenny wrote:

These people charged are revolting creatures! How their families must feel shamed by their actions. I hope that during the court cases, that the public views are clearly viewed, that these gross excuses for human beings are bombarded with the disgust & revoltion of the public. Then lock them up, punish them severely. It's well publicised that people who start hurting animals always progress to even more revolting crimes. We don't need mongrels like this in our society. Shun them, punish them, lock them up. I hope that they get more of their dues in prison.