![Pastoralists say their livestock is being targeted by hunters. Pastoralists say their livestock is being targeted by hunters.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/JpWNRWWp8ju3xiV9HTJvf8/1d8051dc-3740-4c8c-8b61-25a2b3cdf79f.jpg/r0_29_1099_647_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
The NTCA has renewed its calls for a stock squad after livestock was shot dead by 'reckless hunters' on the Arnhem Highway.
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Three Brahman cattle and two buffalo were killed at properties adjacent to the highway.
Annaburroo Station manager Adrian Phillips said some of his animals had recently become targets for reckless hunters and shooters.
"One of my bulls suffered a lung shot but didn't die straight away," Mr Phillips said.
"He would have suffered horrendously.
"He was a beautiful and quiet animal; he would come right up to the fence and lick you and wait for a pat."
Stock theft and killings are ongoing challenges for pastoralists in the Northern Territory, Mr Phillips said.
"It's hard enough in our industry already.
"It doesn't help when people come and shoot or injure or torture cattle and buffalo.
"We put our entire day and life into looking after our animals."
Following the killings, the Northern Territory Cattlemen's Association and the NT Buffalo Industry Council have renewed their calls for the establishment of a stock squad.
NTCA acting chief executive officer Romy Carey said a reward will be offered in a joint partnership with the NTBIC for information leading to the successful conviction of the perpetrators.
"We're urging the NT Government to take these ongoing issues seriously and establish a stock squad to ensure there are adequate resources allocated to deal with these types of atrocious crimes," she said.
"The behaviour of these weekend warriors and wannabe hunters is disgusting and sickening," Mrs Carey said.
NTBIC executive officer Louise Bilato echoed calls for an investigation.
"We cannot sit back and watch animals suffer and get killed in such cruel and callus ways," she said.
"These actions are impacting people's livelihoods and animal welfare, and we want the culprits convicted."
This follows the alleged killing of 30 horses at Killarney Station in September 2020.
Glenn Littlechild and Timothy Playford are facing nine charges relating to property damage and animal cruelty.
Their case was adjourned on Wednesday, until February 23, where they will appear in Katherine Local Court.
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