The killing of kangaroos in Victoria has been halted following the catastrophic bushfires and millions of animal deaths.
The state’s kangaroo culling program – that includes processing kangaroos for pet food – has been put on hold following the state’s bushfires.
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Kangaroo culling has temporarily been stopped in Victoria following the bushfires.
The Herald Sun can reveal the state’s Kangaroo Harvesting Program has been placed on hold and new cull quotas will be issued for 2020.
The move comes after Animal Justice Party’s Andy Meddick, called for the Victorian Government to issue a moratorium on kangaroo and wombat culls, as well as duck shooting effective immediately until the impact of the catastrophic fires on the state’s wildlife populations can be assessed.
Concerns have been raised that half a billion animals have been killed in Australian fires already this season.
“Wildlife that have survived these unbelievable bushfires are still under threat of being gunned down in Victoria – for both profit and recreation,” Mr Meddick said.
“That’s why in the midst of Victoria’s bushfire crisis, I’m calling for a moratorium on the duck shooting season, a cessation of permits to cull kangaroos and an end to wombat shooting while these animals are fighting for their lives across the state.
“The outpouring of support from across the world is a testament to how much our precious wildlife is valued.
“Yet, the impact of allowing wildlife slaughter to continue could be catastrophic – potentially putting whole species at risk of extinction. ”
“We must focus on their conservation – not allow their destruction. And if we don’t do it now, they could be gone for good.”
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A Government spokesman said steps were being taken to protect wildlife.
“Our focus right now is caring for and rehabilitating wildlife currently being affected by bushfires,” she said.
“We’re very much aware of the devastating impact these fires are having on our native wildlife and any future decisions on their protection and management will be carefully considered.”
It is understood duck hunting and Authority to Control Wildlife permits will not be impacted at this time.
In East Gippsland, wildlife carers have been working around the clock to help injured animals.
Mallacoota locals have also been risking their safety to enter burnt terrain to help kangaroos and koalas.
Under the Andrews government’s kangaroo harvesting program, accredited shooters are able to have carcasses from across the state processed for pet food by licensed businesses.
In previous years more than 100,000 kangaroos were killed with 30,000 processed in to pet food.