Truck driver charged after allegedly killing 86 goats

A man will front court in February after allegedly killing more than 80 goats after driving into floodwater.

Police have charged a truck driver with allegedly striking and killing 86 goats after driving into floodwater in NSW.

The incident occurred at about 9pm on December 7 near Bourke, in northwest NSW.

Police will allege a truck driver was travelling east on the Kamilaroi Highway, between Bourke and Brewarrina, when he allegedly drove through a road-closure sign and into floodwater.

The 51-year-old male driver contacted emergency services after the vehicle became stuck and he was taken to Bourke Hospital for assessment.

On December 8 officers from Central North Police District were notified of 78 deceased goats along a 2km stretch of the Kamilaroi Highway.

A further eight goats were found seriously injured and had to be euthanised.

Following inquiries, investigators attended Dubbo Hospital and spoke with a 51-year-old man.

Today he was issued a Court Attendance Notice for disregard barrier regulating traffic by passing in vehicle, commit an act of aggravated cruelty upon an animal, and driver of vehicle injuring animal fail to alleviate pain.

The South Australia man is due to appear at Bourke Local Court on Thursday February 23, 2023.

The incident occurred three hours away from a property which reported the disappearance of 120 Merino sheep.