The Department of Conservation is appealing for the public's help in identifying a man snapped feeding a pet cat in Taranaki's Egmont National Park.
Senior ranger Cameron Hunt said the man was snapped feeding a cat on his lap in October on the Pouakai Track, Taranaki Maunga clearly visible in the background.
In the photo, other visitors can be seen watching the man, with one even appearing to take a photo of the cat enjoying its meal.
“It's pretty clear what's shown in the photograph is occurring inside the boundaries of the national park,” Hunt said.
The ranger explained the Department of Conservation (DOC) had gone public with the photo after its efforts to identify the man were unsuccessful.
“This man's face is shown in the photograph — someone must know who he is.
“We don't know if that's his cat, but regardless the animal appears to be in his care and he should not have it within the national park.”
The incident comes after jacket-clad cats were brought into the park in July last year. The visitors were intending to take their cats on their walk.
Hunt said it was clear the problem had not gone away.
Pets aren't allowed in the country's national parks due to the threat they pose to native species. Express written approval must be granted.
Owners found with pets in Egmont National Park may be issued an instant infringement fine of up to $800.
Serious or repeat offenders may face prosecution and a fine of up to $100,000, or up to a year in prison.
A pet may be seized and impounded if it's found in a national park or controlled area without a permit.
Anyone who can identify the man is asked to contact Hunt by calling +64272461083 or by emailing chunt@doc.govt.nz.
