GREENS TO MOVE FOR DUCK SHOOTING BAN

As Presented with 3000 Signatures to Mark Last Day of Season
Cassy O’Connor MP
Greens Environment spokesperson

The Tasmanian Greens today marked the last day of the recreational duck shooting season to pledge to introduce legislation into the State Parliament to ban the practice.

Greens Environment spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP, who was presented by Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania (AACT) with a petition signed by approximately 3000 people, said that she will table it in the House of Assembly at the earliest opportunity next week.

“On behalf of the Tasmanian Greens I am honoured to have been presented by this important petition which is a heartfelt call by approximately 3000 Tasmanians for an end to this cruel and unnecessary pursuit once and for all,” Ms O’Connor said.

“It is a sad irony that the day following World Environment Day sees the close of the annual three month duck shooting season. We need to move forward and ensure that our unique native waterbirds are protected from needless slaughter every day of the year.”

“The Greens are committed to introducing legislation to ban the recreational duck shooting season which would ensure that our native waterbirds will be fully protected 12 months of the year instead of the current ludicrous situation where they are protected for nine months and then become shooting targets for the remaining three months.”

“Our waterways, wetlands and coastal habitat are very significant for other waterfowl and threatened species, and it is past time that they were protected and managed to enhance their important ecological features and wildlife.”

There are five wild duck species which it is legal to shoot during the annual season: Black Duck, Grey Teal, Chestnut Teal, Mountain Duck and Wood Duck.

Text of the AACT petition calling for a ban on recreational duck shooting:
The petition of the undersigned Residents of Tasmania draws to the attention of the House:
• The practice of recreational duck hunting is inherently cruel and causes excessive suffering to tens of thousands of waterbirds each year in Tasmania. In recognition of this, governments in Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland have introduced bans on duck shooting.
• Despite its intent being to provide for the wellbeing of animals, the Tasmanian Animal Welfare Act 1993 currently allows legally sanctioned shooting of native waterbirds as a recreational activity.
• Your petitions request that the House legislate for the prohibition of recreational duck hunting in Tasmania.
Cassy O’Connor MP Greens Environment spokesperson