The RSPCA is strongly opposed to the introduction of safari style crocodile hunting in the Northern Territory. The RSPCA believes that allowing crocodiles or any Australian native wildlife to be hunted for trophies and commercial gain is unacceptable.
“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 RSPCA Australia Chief Scientist, Dr Bidda Jones.
“This is nothing more than killing animals for entertainment and there is no justification for that. The culling of saltwater crocodiles should be firmly in the hands of trained and competent professionals, not tourists who’s only aim is to bag another trophy to show-off back home.”
“There is no evidence that safari hunts will provide income to aboriginal landholders and any economic arguments should not overrule the ethicaland welfare arguments against the killing of animals for sport.”
RSPCA Australia has long opposed the hunting of animals for sport, because of the potential for cruelty and the extreme difficulty in enforcing animal welfare legislation in remote areas. Successive federal Environment Ministers have rejected similar proposals for safari hunting, concluding that this is not a suitable approach for the responsible management of crocodiles in the NT.