Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania (AACT) and the Tasmanian Conservation Trust (TCT) are calling on the Tasmanian Government to ban duck shooting and promote tourism instead.
“Tourists visiting Moulting Lagoon on the weekend were shocked to find the beauty and peace of the wetland shattered by blasts of gunshot.” said Chris Simcox, Native Waterbird Campaign Coordinator for AACT, “We talked to tourists from France, Canada, and Australia and they were all concerned that such a picturesque location should be marred by the brutal killing of native waterbirds. As soon as the shooting started, they moved on in search of quieter surrounds, well away from the killing.”
The Tasmanian Government is encouraged to bring an end to ducks shooting and invest time and money into promoting wetlands as places of interest to national and international tourists.
“Duck shooters are harming Tasmania’s image of being a prime choice for Australian and overseas tourists.” said Peter McGlone, spokesperson for TCT, “As a RAMSAR listed wetland, Moulting Lagoon is recognised as being internationally significant. It would be far more beneficial to the Tasmanian economy if this wetland, and others like it, were promoted as a tourism destinations.”
The Tasmanian open killing season for native ducks continues until June 9. AACT will be monitoring wetlands throughout the season and be on the lookout for wounded ducks in need of help.
Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania (AACT) and the Tasmanian Conservation Trust (TCT)
