RSPCA and Bob Irwin slam croc safari hunting
The Federal Environment Minister, Peter Garrett, has been urged to reject the Northern Territory Government's proposal to allow tourists to shoot crocodiles on safari hunting tours.
In separate submissions, the RSPCA and Wildlife icon, Bob Irwin, have slammed the idea, saying despite assertions by hunting proponents; the plan has nothing to do with job creation or population management.
"There is no possible conservation benefit to be derived from the killing of crocodiles for trophies, nor does it provide a means of controlling problem crocodiles," said the RSPCA's Chief Scientist, Dr Bidda Jones.
"Recent crocodile attacks in the greater Darwin area are far more to do with urban encroachment into crocodile habitat and a lack of understanding of the risks involved, than of significant changes in crocodile populations or behaviour."
The late Steve Irwin was a vocal opponent of crocodile safari hunting when the Northern Territory Government last attempted to sneak it through its management plan. Steve's father and conservationist, Bob Irwin, said the idea takes us back to the dark ages.
"This is going to appeal to the type of folk who get their kicks out of shooting other large and potentially dangerous wildlife, like rhinos, elephants and lions; people who often justify their blood-sport by arguing that they contribute to the conservation of the magnificent animals that they blow away," Bob said.
"Crocodiles have a brain smaller than my pinkie finger. Imagine trying to hit that on a moving target submerged in water, encased in a big solid bone skull. There are going to be a lot of maimed crocodiles dying slow deaths if this gets the green light."
A succession of Federal Environment Ministers has rejected safari hunting plans put forward by the Northern Territory Government. The RSPCA said it would be disappointing if Minister Garrett chose to support this latest attempt.