A man has been charged with animal cruelty after he allegedly shot two sheep and 16 goats at properties near Bourke earlier this year.

Police said that officers from the Rural Crime Prevention Team began inquiries into alleged illegal hunting on 8 September on property along Lower Lila Road, about 80 kilometres north of the town.

On the same day, they spoke with a 22-year-old man at the location, where they took several firearms and ammunition, and gave him a firearms suspension notice. 

"Officers were informed that the property was leased for commercial and hunting activities subject to various conditions to a party of six persons," a police spokesperson said.

"Following extensive inquiries officers executed a search warrant at a home in Hamlyn Terrace [a Central Coast suburb] about 6.30am yesterday (Tuesday 16 December 2025) where a number of electronic devices were seized."

"The 22-year-old man was arrested at the and taken to Wyong Police Station.

"It will be alleged that between Sunday 7 September 2025 and Monday 8 September 2025 two sheep and 16 goats were shot on the leased property as well as a neighbouring property that hunting was not permitted on."

 The man is charged with four offences including:

• Fire firearm in or near public place,

• Fire firearm into building or onto inclosed lands,

• Enter private land to hunt animal w/o owner consent,

• Commit an act of aggravated cruelty upon an animal.

He has been granted conditional bail to appear at Bourke Local Court on Monday 2 February.

Police said inquiries continue and are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers.