The Tasmanian Greens today renewed calls for a ban on duck shooting, ahead of the opening of Tasmania’s annual three month slaughter of native waterbirds.
Greens Environment spokesperson Cassy O’Connor MP today (Thurs) raised duck shooting as a Matter of Public Importance in the House of Assembly, urging all Tasmanians to spare a thought for the birds that will fall victim to this cruel and outdated practice over the next three months.
“At daybreak, thousands of terrified waterbirds will be running the gauntlet of shotgun blasts in waterways around the state,” Ms O’Connor said.
“It defies belief that native duck species that are protected for the other nine months of the year can be allowed to fall victim in their thousands to this is outdated and barbaric practice.”
“During last year’s three month season, shooters reported killing 41,552 birds, but we must remember that’s just the ones that are reported.”
“The official numbers don’t include the large number of ducks that are wounded, winged or gut shot and manage to struggle somewhere to safety to die a slow and agonising death.”
“Western Australia banned this barbaric practice over twenty years ago, New South Wales over fifteen years ago and Queensland did it five years ago.”
“Tasmania is so far behind community sentiment on this issue that it has become a national embarrassment and a smear on our name.”
