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Orphan deer exposes irresponsible shooting programs
Thursday 08 April 2010
Commenting on the Illawarra orphan fawn linked to activities of local recreational shooters, Greens MP and animal welfare spokesperson Lee Rhiannon has called on the NSW government to scrap the Game Council and ensure all culling programs are undertaken by professionals.
(Daily Telegraph, page 1, http://bit.ly/aYXi1g)
"When non-professional shooters are used to cull animals, poor practices can go undetected," Ms Rhiannon said.
"Animal welfare and public safety are being put at risk by the cowboy operations of recreational shooters in the Illawarra area.
"The NSW government's backing of the Game Council implies that shooting is the way to control feral animals.
"This policy is becoming increasingly discredited due to safety concerns, animal cruelty issues and the increase in feral animal numbers.
"We don't know exactly what happened to the fawn's mother but it is unsurprising locals have linked this orphaned fawn with the activities of recreational shooters.
"The failure to have animal welfare groups supervise culls, as required in professional operations, could well be linked to this sad story.
"This fawn has suffered greatly from losing its mother. The government needs to get its priorities right and ensure that any culling programs do not put orphaned animals at further risk.
"The NSW government has been too willing to meet the wishes of the Shooters Party by allowing the expansion of recreational shooting. This orphaned fawn could well be the sorry end to one of those hunting expeditions," Ms Rhiannon said.
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