Weka slaughter trial delayed

A weka. File photo / Christchurch Star

The trial of a Northland man who allegedly allowed his dogs to kill 14 endangered and protected weka, has been delayed until tomorrow.

Donald Shepherd, 66, of Warkworth, north of Auckland, faces two charges of allowing his dogs to enter a Department of Conservation reserve, and two of being the owner of dogs that attacked and killed protected wildlife.

The trial was set down for today in Auckland District Court but will now begin tomorrow.

Shepherd allegedly allowed his dogs to enter the Kawau Island Historic Reserve in May last year.

Weka are protected on the main islands, but up to 5000 can be harvested every year on the Chatham Islands.

- NZPA