2018-01-17
Victorian Greens spokesperson for Animal Welfare, Sue Pennicuik, has seen the impact of duck shooting first hand, and says the problem is not about regulation, but enforcement.
“There is no such thing as a responsible shooter. Every year regulations are flouted by duck shooters with little or no consequence,” she says.
“Game Management Authority compliance officers cannot enter the water because of Occupational Health and Safety regulations, or question armed duck shooters on shore unless accompanied by a police officer, making regulations almost impossible to enforce.
“We’re also yet to see the public release of findings from the review of the Game Management Authority announced in response to last year’s horrific season. We see the same thing every year; thousands of protected ducks and other species such as swans and wading birds shot and left to die on the wetlands.
“In the interest of transparency, the Andrews Government should make the findings public as it’s announcing another full duck shooting season.
“Duck shooting has been banned in WA, NSW and QLD, and was never permitted in the ACT. A complete ban is the only way to protect against the inhumane slaughter of our native water birds.”