Local man faces $80,000 worth of fines after reports of animal cruelty
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Disclaimer: This article discusses distressing topics about animal cruelty. Reader discretion is advised.
Australia's flora and fauna have been a subject of fascination worldwide.
However, one serene landscape was disrupted after a grim discovery, and this has brought to light complex issues regarding wildlife management.
A Victoria local faced the Shepparton Magistrate's Court after authorities found 71 dead eastern grey kangaroos on his property.
The tragic scene included two dead joeys—one likely starved after its mother was shot, and the other suffocated in its mother's pouch.
The 65-year-old man from Nathalia faced $80,000 worth of fines and pleaded guilty to four charges of aggravated cruelty.
The man admitted to hurting most of the kangaroos.
However, the animals did not die immediately, which led to prolonged suffering.
It was later on revealed that the man had a valid Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW) permit—which allows for the culling of kangaroos to protect pastures and crops.
Yet, the culling conducted was inhumane.
The shooters used non-fatal gunshots, violating permit conditions that require 'instantaneous' injuries to prevent suffering.
Concerned citizens tipped the Conservation Regulator Victoria, which led to an investigation.
The team uncovered several piles of dead kangaroos on the property.
A qualified veterinarian's assessment concluded that the adult kangaroos endured 'a high degree of pain and suffering' before death.
The joeys, on the other hand, suffered 'slow and lingering deaths'.
The case sparked a conversation about the balance between land management and animal welfare.
While kangaroo populations could be a concern for farmers due to crop and grazing damage, there are ethical considerations when it comes to controlling wild animals.
ATCW permits are issued with strict conditions to ensure that cullings should be carried out humanely.
These conditions include the use of approved firearms and ammunition, criteria for ensuring quick and painless injury, and guidelines for managing animals with dependent young.
Breaching these conditions could lead to unnecessary suffering for the animals and hefty penalties for the landholder involved.
This incident reminds us of the importance of responsible wildlife management.
While human needs often require controlling the animal population, taking care of the wildlife should also be important.
The fine imposed in this case reflected the local council's commitment to upholding laws regarding animal cruelty.
What do you think of this matter? Have you had any experiences with wildlife management on your property? Share your thoughts and opinions with us in the comments section below.
Australia's flora and fauna have been a subject of fascination worldwide.
However, one serene landscape was disrupted after a grim discovery, and this has brought to light complex issues regarding wildlife management.
A Victoria local faced the Shepparton Magistrate's Court after authorities found 71 dead eastern grey kangaroos on his property.
The tragic scene included two dead joeys—one likely starved after its mother was shot, and the other suffocated in its mother's pouch.
The 65-year-old man from Nathalia faced $80,000 worth of fines and pleaded guilty to four charges of aggravated cruelty.
Among the found kangaroos in the man's home was a joey that died of suffocation. Image Credit: Pexels/Ethan Brooke
The man admitted to hurting most of the kangaroos.
However, the animals did not die immediately, which led to prolonged suffering.
It was later on revealed that the man had a valid Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW) permit—which allows for the culling of kangaroos to protect pastures and crops.
Yet, the culling conducted was inhumane.
The shooters used non-fatal gunshots, violating permit conditions that require 'instantaneous' injuries to prevent suffering.
Concerned citizens tipped the Conservation Regulator Victoria, which led to an investigation.
The team uncovered several piles of dead kangaroos on the property.
A qualified veterinarian's assessment concluded that the adult kangaroos endured 'a high degree of pain and suffering' before death.
The joeys, on the other hand, suffered 'slow and lingering deaths'.
The case sparked a conversation about the balance between land management and animal welfare.
While kangaroo populations could be a concern for farmers due to crop and grazing damage, there are ethical considerations when it comes to controlling wild animals.
ATCW permits are issued with strict conditions to ensure that cullings should be carried out humanely.
These conditions include the use of approved firearms and ammunition, criteria for ensuring quick and painless injury, and guidelines for managing animals with dependent young.
Breaching these conditions could lead to unnecessary suffering for the animals and hefty penalties for the landholder involved.
This incident reminds us of the importance of responsible wildlife management.
While human needs often require controlling the animal population, taking care of the wildlife should also be important.
The fine imposed in this case reflected the local council's commitment to upholding laws regarding animal cruelty.
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