The
Victorian Labor Government has declared duck season again this year.
Steve
Bracks has even gone so far as to have certain wetlands artificially filled in
order to lure our native birds to their slaughter.
Shooting will commence on March 19th
and continue for three months.
Throughout
this period, eight species of native waterbird that are protected for nine
months of the year, and are an integral part of Australia’s ecosystem, are
allowed to be shot. Shotguns inflict horrific injuries to these gentle and
defenceless creatures. They are often
shot through the wings, eyes, feet and bodies. They often do not die straight
away, but continue to suffer for many days from their injuries.
Other
birds that ‘officially’ retain protected status throughout the duck season are
shot illegally every year. These include Swans, which mate for life, the rare
and unique Freckled Duck, Avocets, Herons, Pelicans and many other species.
Duck
shooting is not a sport; it is cowardly, one-sided, violent and anti-social.
Waterbirds can not defend themselves, let alone fight back against the shooters
who are armed with powerful weapons, dogs, whistles and decoys. Duck shooting
can be more accurately described as environmental vandalism.
The
Bracks Government continues to service a minority of shooters by declaring a
duck season, despite the prolonged drought, despite the cruelty that is
inflicted on our native wildlife, and despite the fact that there is absolutely
no scientific or environmental reason for allowing these beautiful waterbirds
to be shot.
If
you are part of the vast majority of civilised persons who find this activity
abhorrent then let the Government know. Apathy will do nothing to stop the
slaughter!
Write
to: Premier Steve Bracks,
C/_
Parliament House, Spring Street
Melbourne
3000
And/or
e-mail: [email protected]
For
further information, or to take part in direct action by joining the 2005 Duck
Rescue Team, please phone (03) 9826 9715 or check out the website http://www.duck.org.au