‘Pointless’: RSPCA outraged as bow hunting ban to exclude landholders

Bow and crossbow hunting to kill animals will be banned in SA – apart from one huge key group, sparking outrage from the RSPCA. Warning: Graphic content

A proposed ban on hunting feral animals with a bow and arrow or crossbow will be “pointless’’ unless it includes private landholders, according to the RSPCA.

The animal welfare watchdog has reacted angrily to the revelation the proposed ban will not apply to private landholders, family members or those acting as an agent for a landholder – labelling the concession a broken election promise.

RSPCA animal welfare advocate Dr Rebekah Eyers said it “will be business as usual once this

ineffective ban comes into place” for most people who hunt with bows or crossbows.

“This is a recreational activity that takes place far from the public eye, meaning no-one but the hunter is there to witness the suffering,’’ she said.

“Even when carried out by a competent marksman, it does not result in a rapid and humane death. Fatally-hit animals experience severe pain for several minutes from the tissue and organ damage caused where the arrow enters their body.

“It is not ethical to use a less humane method of killing when a more humane method is available.’’

The exemption from the proposed ban has been revealed on the Department for Environment and Water website, which states it will not affect any hunter not required to hold a basic hunting permit.

It cites several examples including an Aboriginal person hunting food for themselves and landholders, family members or an agent of a landholder.

RSPCA South Australia animal welfare advocate Rebekah Eyers. Picture: AAP / Mark Brake

Ms Eyers said the ban on bow hunting was a Labor election promise and called on the government to extend the ban.

“The government promised only humane/best practice killing methods would be used on pest animals. If landholders can continue using bow and arrows to kill animals on their property – then this promise has been broken,’’ she said.

Environment Minister Susan Close said DEW was undertaking targeted consultation with stakeholders on the mechanism and timing to ban hunting with a bow or crossbow.

“It is proposed that hunting permits will no longer allow bow or crossbow hunting, recognising that there are currently some circumstances where a hunting licence is not required,’’ she said.

A deer shot with an arrow. Pic supplied by RSPCA.

“These exceptions include landholders destroying animals causing harm or threatening human life.

“I will receive advice from the department on the results of this consultation in the next few weeks, and will then determine the detail of how this ban will be implemented.’’

Ms Eyers said the RSPCA recognised the marksmanship of skilled bow and crossbow enthusiasts but believed recreational activity that involves shooting arrows into live animals is not a practice supported by the general community.

“Tradition should never serve as an excuse for cruelty – arrows are for targets, not animals,’’ she said.