Tasmania marsupial ‘massacre’ sparks outrage, calls for tougher wildlife protection
The killing of up to 140 wallabies and pademelons in northern Tasmania prompts calls for tougher protection for native wildlife.
An apparent massacre of up to 140 wallabies and pademelons in northern Tasmania has prompted outrage and calls for tougher protection for native wildlife.
An image apparently posted by a group of hunters on Facebook, before being removed, was on Thursday released by the Animal Justice Party, which claimed it was “gruesome and distressing”.
The post, which the AJP said was made on June 13, shows a large pile of the dead marsupials with the words: “Good morning down the west Tamar … 140 on the ground.”
“It is extremely distressing to know that hunters are intentionally targeting our native wildlife,” said Animal Justice Party Tasmania convener Tim Westcott.
“While the hunting groups may claim that they are controlling a pest, these animals are native to Tasmania and local residents do not consider the mass slaughter of native animals to be pest control.
“This regular mass killing of native wildlife, which is condoned by the Tasmanian government, is deeply concerning. There is basically a twelve-month open season on pademelons and wallabies, and the images and videos publicly posted by shooters are likely to be just the tip of a gruesome and distressing iceberg.”
The name of the person or group that posted the image has been redacted but The Australian has seen what appears to be the original post and is attempting to contact those named for comment.
Mr Westcott told The Australian that while permits were required to shoot pademelons and wallabies in Tasmania, these were readily available and the only limit was that shooting occur during the day.
He conceded shooting was better than poisoning to control marsupials but urged landowners to explore other methods, such as fencing, retaining or restoring bushland and protecting rather than harming predators, including Tasmanian devils and eagles.
The Tasmanian government has been contacted for comment.
Third senior exit at CFMEU administration
The exit came as confidential documents show the union’s national office was in deficit and the SA branch insolvent.
Flood warnings issued as Cyclone Zelia downgraded
Tropical cyclone Zelia has been downgraded but heavy rainfall continues to lash parts of northwest WA, where severe weather and emergency warnings remain in place.