The Tasmanian Greens Environment spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP today condemned the latest incident apparently involving the illegal slaughter of protected New Zealand fur seals in Tasmania.
“Whilst it is too early to make any firm conclusions about how these seals were killed and injured, the cruel slaughter of protected seals is not an isolated incident in Tasmania,” Ms O’Connor said.
“If the autopsy finds that the death and injury of these animals was likely to have been deliberate, then it must be referred to Tasmania Police for investigation.”
“Slaughtering seals is not only barbaric, it is extremely damaging to Tasmania’s clean and green image.”
“The fact that these dead and injured animals were spotted from one of Tasmania’s best known tourist boats highlights just how bad this kind of cruelty is for Tasmania’s image.”
“The Greens understand that seals are sometimes a nuisance to recreational fishers, but it is important to understand that when people go out on the water they are entering the seals’ natural environment.”
“The Greens welcome the fishing community’s quick condemnation of these actions, which once again shows that this type of activity is not sanctioned by the majority of caring boat users.”
Cassy O’Connor MP Greens Environment Spokesperson Tuesday, 29 May 2013
