Hundreds of wild pigs roaming on a Coromandel Peninsula property face an “uncertain and dangerous” future following the arrest of their long-time caregiver Stuart Campbell Edmondson in connection to a fatal shooting.

Edmondson, 77, appeared briefly in the High Court in Hamilton yesterday, entering not guilty pleas to the murder of 41-year-old Kevin Mabbott and the attempted murder of another man who was with Mabbott at the time of the shooting on The 309 Rd last week.

A Givealittle page set up on Monday - making an “urgent appeal” for the safety and care of hundreds of wild pigs roaming on Edmondson’s property - has raised over $10,000.

“They face an uncertain and dangerous future. Without their devoted caregiver, they are no longer receiving the care they need and are likely to become targets for hunters,” the fundraiser said.

“For over 70 years, this man lived on the property his parents purchased, dedicating his life to these animals. Known for his gentle nature and compassion, he treated the pigs like family, raising them with love and care. Tourists from around the world visited to meet these friendly pigs, who were raised as beloved pets.”

It said the funds would be used for food, care, and protection for the pigs, as well as additional legal costs for Edmondson.

Shooting victims understood to be hunting at the time

The two victims of Friday’s shooting were understood to both be hunting pigs at the time.

The owner of nearby tourist attraction Waterworks, who wished to be know as Jeff, said about 2pm a person ran onto his property saying a person was lying on the floor near the road.

Jeff said the person was “shot in the chest” and was pronounced dead at the scene.

“I ran out with my first aid kit and put him into the recovery position ... I gave him CPR for 15 minutes before the Westpac Helicopters arrived.”

He said a second person was lying on the ground in close proximity, who he believed had been shot in the shoulder.

“There was a pig on the back of [the deceased’s] ute, and it looked like he was in the process of butchering it.

“It appeared he had tried to move away from the vehicle, but I found him lying on the ground beside his ute.

“The other person wasn’t in the vicinity where I was, but I understand he was younger.”

A local who said he knew the alleged shooter all his life described him as a nice guy and a bit eccentric.

He said the farmer has been picked on by poachers and it got to breaking point.

-Bay of Plenty Times