A man from the Central Coast is set to face court on serious firearm and animal cruelty charges after NSW Police investigated an alleged illegal hunting operation in the state's remote west.
Investigation launched after reports of illegal shooting
Officers from the Rural Crime Prevention Team began their inquiries on Monday, September 8, 2025, after receiving reports of alleged illegal hunting activity on a rural property along Lower Lila Road, near Lower Lila. This location is approximately 80 kilometres north of Bourke.
Police learned the property had been leased to a group of six people for commercial and hunting purposes, which were subject to specific conditions. The investigation will allege that between September 7 and 8, 2025, two sheep and sixteen goats were shot. This shooting reportedly occurred not only on the leased property but also on a neighbouring property where hunting was strictly prohibited.
Firearms seized and arrest made months later
On the same day the investigation commenced, September 8, police spoke with a 22-year-old man at the Lower Lila location. During this interaction, officers seized several firearms and ammunition. The man was issued a firearm suspension notice on the spot.
The probe, conducted under Strike Force Salwood, continued for several months. It culminated in the early hours of Tuesday, December 16, 2025, when police executed a search warrant at a home in Hamlyn Terrace on the Central Coast. During the raid, which took place around 6:30 am, a number of electronic devices were seized.
The same 22-year-old man was arrested at the premises and taken to Wyong Police Station for processing.
Four charges laid including aggravated cruelty
The man was charged with four distinct offences:
- Fire firearm in or near public place
- Fire firearm into building or onto enclosed lands
- Enter private land to hunt animal without owner consent
- Commit an act of aggravated cruelty upon an animal
He was initially refused bail and appeared at the Bail Division of the Local Court on December 16. At that hearing, he was granted conditional bail and is scheduled to next appear at Bourke Local Court on Monday, February 2, 2026.
NSW Police have confirmed that investigations under Strike Force Salwood are ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information about this incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via the online portal. Information is treated confidentially, and the public is reminded not to report details through police social media channels.
