Animal Justice Party NSW MP, Mark Pearson, slams court punishment for duck decapitation

Animal Justice Party NSW MP Mark Pearson has aired his “disappointment” with the punishment of two Southern Highlands brothers for decapitating a dead duck. Find out what he said.

Animal Justice Party NSW MP Mark Pearson has aired his “disappointment” with the punishment of two Southern Highlands brothers for catching and decapitating a dead duck.

As first reported by The Bowral News Jonathan Christopher Kolster, 24, and Benjamin James Kolster, 27, appeared on Tuesday at Moss Vale Local Court for behaving in an offensive manner within a public place, which they both pleaded guilty to.

According to the documents tendered to the court, at about 4pm on Saturday January 22, Ben was captured on video footage by the brothers’ associate (which was then shared on his social media) running into a group of ducks next to the Mittagong RSL driveway and picking up a deceased one by the neck.

Jonathan Christopher Kolster and Benjamin James Kolster played roles in decapitating an Australian Wood duck in the carpark of the Mittagong RSL on January 22. Picture: Facebook/NSW Police

Documents state he then handed the Australian wood duck over to his brother Jonathan, who tore its head off with his bare hands.

On Tuesday the police facts were amended to state that the animal was deceased, not alive like previously stated.

Jonathan then began using his two hands to manipulate the mouth of the duck while making quacking noises, according to police facts.

Following this, documents state he abandoned the head of the duck and walked towards the entrance of the RSL, while Ben picked up the duck’s body and threw it twice at the group.

Both Hilltop residents were refused entry into the club by security on the basis of them being too drunk.

MP Mark Pearson for the Animal Justice Party slammed the court’s punishment for the two brothers. Picture: Richard Dobson

Mr Pearson, said that while he was “glad” the Hilltop brothers were charged, and “grateful to NSW Police and the wider community for actively seeking justice for this duck,” he is not happy with the punishment handed down by the court.

“I am disappointed the offenders have received fines of just $450 each,” Mr Pearson said.

“Even with Benjamin’s 12-month community corrections order and Jonathan’s 60 hours of community service, these sentences do not reflect the severity of the crime committed and are not strong enough.

He also added that “alcohol is never an excuse ... particularly given this was clearly an intentional act of cruelty”.

Mr Pearson had previously called for both men to receive the harshest penalties under NSW’s animal protection laws when watching the video footage (which is no longer on social media) earlier this year.