Three workers at Pantoro Gold’s Norseman Gold Project in Western Australia have been fined for their involvement in an appalling act of animal cruelty captured on video. The incident, which occurred in June 2023, involved a 24-year-old man and two 30-year-old men, all of whom have pleaded guilty to the charges.
Footage shared on Snapchat depicted the individuals holding a pigeon before the younger man struck it with a golf club, causing the bird to fly over a metre away. Disturbingly, he continued to hit the pigeon multiple times and later disposed of it in a skip bin, with a caption stating, “May his soul rest in peace.” The video was subsequently reported to RSPCA WA, leading to an investigation.
In response to the incident, Pantoro Gold took swift action and terminated the employment of those involved. A spokesperson for the company affirmed their commitment to animal welfare, expressing that they maintain a zero-tolerance stance on cruelty and uphold high standards for their staff.
The three men were sentenced at Kalgoorlie Magistrates Court, where Magistrate William Yoo condemned their actions as “absolutely disgusting, vile and reprehensible” and highlighted the evident distress of the innocent animal. He remarked that their behaviour was shocking and betrayed their humanity, urging that such conduct should outrage the public.
RSPCA WA asserted that the men had willfully beaten and mistreated the pigeon, which they alleged was still alive during the attack. As a result of their actions, the 24-year-old was fined $48,000, while the two 30-year-olds were each fined $39,000, avoiding imprisonment.
RSPCA WA’s Inspector Manager, Kylie Green, welcomed the court’s decision, emphasising that there is no justification for the torment of any animal. The case has drawn attention to the urgent need for accountability and respect towards all living creatures.