CONTACT:
CO Todd Szewczyk: 603-271-3361
Lt. Craig Morrocco: 603-271-3361
Lt. Robert Bryant: 603-271-3127
December 22, 2010


VANDALISM KILLS 15,000 HATCHERY TROUT; INFORMATION SOUGHT

MILFORD, N.H. -- The New Hampshire Fish and Game and Milford Police departments are looking for any information regarding an act of vandalism that occurred at the Milford Fish Hatchery. At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 18, 2010, a water pumping station located off North River Road in Milford, N.H., was broken into. During the break-in, a water pump was shut off, resulting in the mortality of approximately 15,000 rainbow trout at the hatchery. These fish were to be stocked this spring by Fish and Game for anglers to enjoy across the Monadnock Region.

“The pump station is located in a popular recreational area, so we are hopeful that anyone who has any information regarding this incident will come forward,” said Conservation Officer Lt. Craig Morrocco.

New Hampshire Fish and Game Department Conservation Officers and the Milford Police Department are conducting a joint investigation into the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to please call the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department at 603-271-3361 or the Milford Police Department at 603-249-0630. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call the Operation Game Thief 24-hour hotline at: 1-800-344-4262, or report online at http://www.HuntNH.com/OGT.