A truck driver has been charged after allegedly hitting and killing more than 80 goats in the north-west of New South Wales.
The 51-year-old man is also accused of driving through a road closure sign and into floodwaters on the Kamilaroi Highway, between Bourke and Brewarrina, last Wednesday.
The man had to call emergency services after his truck became stuck, with authorities rescuing him before he was transported to Bourke Hospital for assessment.
Just a day later, police made the grim discovery of 78 dead goats along the highway.
A further eight goats were also found seriously injured and had to be euthanised.
The man has since been issued a Court Attendance Notice for disregard barrier regulating traffic by passing in vehicle, commit an act of aggravated cruelty upon an animal, and driver of vehicle injuring animal fail to alleviate pain.
The South Australia man is due to appear at Bourke Local Court on Thursday 23 February 2023.
