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Gunman kills 30 tame camels, kangaroos

September 27, 2005

A GUNMAN has killed 30 tame camels and several kangaroos on a property south of Alice Springs.
The slaughter was reported to police by the owner of Henbury Station, 140km south of Alice Springs, on Saturday.

The property owner found the dead animals about 20km from the homestead.

Police believe it was the work of one person with a high-powered rifle.

Kulgera police officer-in-charge Sergeant Alistair Taylor said: "All the shots were pretty good shots, to the head. That makes us think it was the work of one gunman.

"He tidied up after himself and picked up most of the shells. We did find one empty casing, and it's been sent for testing."

Tyre tracks at the scene are also being examined.

Police think the shooting took place last Thursday or Friday night.

Sgt Taylor said: "It must have happened at night or at dawn or dusk. That's when the kangaroos are out."

Sgt Taylor said police had no leads.

"It must be someone who was a bit gun happy," he said. "Just someone who likes killing things, by the look of it."

He said the camels were shot from several vantage points.

"Whoever did it must have known they were doing the wrong thing. The camels were half domesticated and pretty placid, so even with camels dropping among them they don't seem to have bolted."

Police removed the dead camels. "People were stopping to photograph them and it was causing a traffic hazard," Sgt Taylor said.

Police hope a passing motorist saw the gunman or his vehicle.

Anyone with information is asked to phone police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,16733819-17001,00.html

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