END BROWN QUAIL EXPLOITATION

With the opening of the Brown Quail killing season only days away, Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania (AACT) again condemns the Tasmanian Government for allowing the killing to continue. The open season begins on 18 May 2013.

“We are appalled that Minister Brian Wightman has again given minority interests the opportunity to slaughter Tasmanian wildlife.” said Chris Simcox, spokesperson for AACT, “This should come as no real surprise for a state that appears to pride itself on leading the country with organised, government-sanctioned slaughter of native wildlife. What is surprising is that they use shooters to survey quail numbers by killing them, and then the department makes management decisions based on these ‘killing surveys’.”

The decision to open the season in the south of state was done by way of these ‘killing surveys’ several years ago. There is now a decision to extend the length of the season, again using the ‘killing surveys’.

“We are amazed that Mr Wightman’s department makes decisions based on kill figures from shooters. It clearly shows they bow to shooters and are keen to give them more opportunities to kill native birds by lengthening the season.” said Mr Simcox, “Why is it that the values of a community opposed to shooting mean nothing to this government? They should recognise the sentience of quail, and accord them the right not to be exploited by humans.”
Chris Simcox, AACT spokesperson