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A gardener has been caught attacking a native bird with a snip before dumping the poor animal’s body in a bin.
Disturbing footage shows the lawn care worker approaching the plover who was relaxing in the front garden of a house in Beresford, New South Wales’ Hunter Valley.
He then turns on his sniper and aims it at the bird, which had spread its wings to defend itself.
Disturbing footage shows the lawn care worker approaching the plover who was relaxing in the front garden of a home in Beresford in New South Wales’ Hunter Valley.
The animal tries to escape, but it is too late as its wings get stuck in the device and send a plume of feathers into the air.
The gardener then steps on top of the waving bird and appears to kill it with a footstep before throwing the bird’s remains into a bin.
The resident who posted the images online has contacted the RSPCA.
The homeowner said he warned the gardener about the plover, which was breeding, before work started on November 14 last year.
“He messaged to say he would come the next day and we told him there was a plover nesting there and not to do that side,” the upset homeowner wrote.
The gardener then steps on top of the waving bird and appears to kill it with a footstep before throwing the bird’s remains into a bin.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service is investigating.
“The NPWS is aware of this incident and has been working with the RSPCA on the criminal investigation,” a spokesperson said.
‘The online images are shocking and extremely disturbing.’
Harming a native animal is an offense punishable by a fine of up to $14,000.