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Update: Killer of pet deer Rudie avoids conviction
August 7, 2023
PRESS RELEASE
Professional hunter Scott Craig avoids conviction over death of beloved pet deer Rudie, with a local judge instead giving him a two-year conditional release order.
Key points
→ Scott Craig receives two-year conditional release order for killing Rudie the deer.
→ Rudie, a beloved three-legged pet deer, was suspected to have been shot earlier this year.
→ The incident has extensive media coverage and public empathy, emphasising the community’s bond with Rudie.
Update 5 February 2024: Professional hunter Scott Craig was given a two-year conditional release order and no conviction recorded for killing beloved pet deer, Rudie. The 49-year-old professional plead guilty in December.
⇒ More to come.
Update: December 19, 2023 — In a significant development, local man Scott Craig has plead guilty to the offence of steal/kill cattle in relation to Rudie’s death.
The 49-year-old entered the plea at Albury Local Court today, the same court where Craig will be sentenced on February 5, 2024.
Miranda Petts, Rudie’s owner, took to social media to thank the global community for their support.
Miranda says the extensive support has been of real comfort to her and her family.
“We’ll be able to slowly start to heal and move on after these traumatic months,” Miranda wrote.
“(Knowing) Rudie has been thought of all around the world, and how special he is, I knew that whatever the outcome, it would be ok.”
RECAP: Rudie went missing from his family’s property near Albury earlier this year. It was suspected he had been shot by a hunter. A subsequent police investigation led to the arrest and charging of Scott Craig. The family and local community were deeply affected by Rudie’s loss, prompting widespread media attention and public sympathy.
Original article – Rudie was in the paddock of his family’s property near Albury, at the NSW/Victoria border, on Monday night.
His family says a local hunter shot Rudie while shooting animals on neighbouring property.
Rudie – who has close to 19,000 Instagram followers – is believed to have died instantly.
Miranda Petts spoke with police when she was unable to locate Rudie in his paddock.
A blood trail was found in the paddock.
NSW Police investigating Rudie’s disappearance.
NSW Police say a man is now facing charges over Rudie’s death.
A 49-year-old man attended Albury Police Station two days after the shooting and was charged with stock theft, fire firearm into building or onto enclosed lands and enter enclosed land not prescribed premises without lawful excuse.
He will appear at Albury Local Court on Wednesday 27 September 2023.
NSW Police first issued a statement to media after Rudie’s disappearance.
“About 7am today (Monday 7 August 2023), a 31-year-old woman contacted Albury Police Station after noticing her pet deer, named Rudie, was missing.”
“Rudie, who has three legs, was seen about 6pm yesterday (Sunday 6 August 2023).
“Officers from Murray River Police District attended and commenced inquiries.
‘”During a search of the area, blood was located in the paddock.
“Following initial inquiries, police believe a car was driven to the property about 11.30pm to 11.45pm yesterday.
“As inquiries continue, police urge anyone with information to come forward.”
Anyone with information about Rudie’s disappearance should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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