Trio face charges over swan killings

It is unknown how many swans were killed. Photo / File photo

Three men are facing animal cruelty charges after an SPCA investigation into reports of a jetboat running down black swans in Tauranga Harbour.

Tauranga SPCA inspector Jason Blair said the charges had been laid against the trio after a joint investigation by SPCA and Fish & Game.

The men were expected to appear in Tauranga District Court this month.

In early February the Bay of Plenty Times reported the alleged slaughter which was also recorded by a video camera filmed from the jet boat.

In February one of the men released the video footage to this newspaper, after a fallout between him and the alleged boat driver.

It is unknown how many swans were killed.

Mr Blair said he had no further comment.

A total of six charges have been laid under both the Animal Welfare Act and the Wildlife Act.

The SPCA earlier this year launched a joint investigation with Fish & Game, executing a search warrant and seizing a number of items from a Katikati property.

Fish & Game says it will continue to offer every possible support to SPCA as the case is brought before the courts.