The 50-strong crowd at a Whakatane march protesting a decision not to prosecute an officer who shot a dog with an arrow want the officer's identity revealed.
Today's march, organised by seasoned campaigner Wharenui Tuna, followed last week's police decision not to lay criminal charges against the policeman who, on November 12, shot a 4-year-old bull mastiff named Zeta that had wandered on to his property.
The hunting arrow hit the dog behind its elbow and travelled part-way into its chest causing serious injuries.
The dog's owner reported the offence the evening of the shooting and, three days later, the officer came forward and admitted firing the arrow.
A criminal investigation launched by police concluded the case did not reach the criminal threshold for a prosecution but was subject to legal review. The matter is now an employment issue.
The march saw people and canines walk from outside the The Warehouse to the police station. Once the crowd reached the station people were asked to give their views.
Keith Barnett, who marched with his son Paul, their Irish Setter George and their Gordon Setter Danny, said his father had been part of the British Metropolitan Police before coming to New Zealand and continuing in the police force.
"I couldn't ever imagine him picking up a crossbow and shooting at an animal - not ever," Mr Barnett senior said.