(Au) RSPCA opposed to recreational roo killing

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RSPCA says don't kill roos

The Age

 

http://www.theage.com.au/breaking/2002/09/07/FFX7MZXES5D.html

 

Published: Saturday September 7, 2:30 PM

CANBERRA

 

The RSPCA called for a ban on recreational and landholder shooting of

kangaroos, describing it as barbaric.

 

An estimated 100,000, or four per cent, of kangaroos were shot inhumanely

each year, the RSPCA report to the federal government said.

 

Commercial kangaroo shooters are required to shoot kangaroos in the head to

kill them, given it is the most humane option.

 

Shooters licensed to kill kangaroos should also be forced to complete game

meat harvesting and firearms accreditation courses before obtaining

licences, the animal welfare group said.

 

The RSPCA also called for an examination of kangaroo shooting management

policies.

 

The recommendations are contained in a report to Environment Australia, the

federal government's environment department.

 

RSPCA national president Hugh Wirth said the latest report follows a similar

survey published in 1985.

 

Indications were that the accuracy of commercial shooters improved to 96 per

cent in 2002, from 86 per cent in 1985.

 

But the figures were based only on kangaroos ending up at a processor,

saying it was unclear how many injured kangaroos did not make it out of the

paddock.

 

The apparent improvement in the humaneness of commercial shooting followed

the introduction of increased controls and mandatory training courses, Dr

Worth said.

 

 

©2002