Minister blocks crocodile safari hunting bid
The RSPCA is pleased that the Federal Environment Minister, Peter Garrett, has quashed another attempt to introduce crocodile safari hunting into the Northern Territory.
Trophy hunting crocodiles was never about managing the crocodile population or creating jobs. The proposal was nothing more than killing animals for entertainment and there is no justification for that.
The RSPCA and wildlife champion, Bob Irwin, joined forces to urge the Minister to reject this latest bid by the Northern Territory Government and his decision is a win for common sense.
However, the RSPCA still has concerns about a number of aspects of the NT Government's crocodile management plan including: the increase in the number of eggs that can be harvested each year; and the capability of the NT Government to adequately safegaurd the welfare of farmed and harvested crocodiles.
Australian wildlife are a unique and treasured asset, not only adored by Australians but by tourists who flock here to enjoy them. Crocodile populations in the Northern Territory do need to be managed but they should be managed in a way that ensures their welfare remains the highest priority. Trophy hunting was never going to allow that and the RSPCA is happy that the Minister saw through this latest attempt to sneak safari hunting into the crocodile management plan.