 |
Tuesday, 1 April 2008 |
Roo cull delayed again for second tilt at translocation |
The Department of Defence has again delayed a cull of hundreds of kangaroos at its Belconnen property to make another attempt at moving the animals. Its first attempt at translocation failed when the Department of Territory and Municipal Services refused to grant Defence the export permits needed to take the kangaroos across the border into southern NSW in February. But it's understood the Department is keen to give the plan another try. It has approached the ACT government for approval of a scientific trial of kangaroo management techniques. "The trial would deliver scientific evidence relating to translocation, assist the protection of endangered ecological communities and threatened species, and inform the debate on humane management of Eastern Grey Kangaroos," a Defence statement said. "Pending the ACT government’s response to the Defence proposal, the cull of kangaroos at (Belconnen) will be placed on hold." Defence says translocation has been its preferred option since a panel it commissioned to report on the issue in August 2007 recommended that action. "Defence understands that this is a sensitive issue in the community, and is taking every precaution to ensure that these matters are dealt with responsibly and in a manner consistent with its obligations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999," the statement said. The Department has denied it is caving to pressure from animal activists opposed to the cull, and who vowed to use any means necessary to block workers from carrying out the euthanasia. The ACT government's own expert panel has advised that euthanasia was the best option. Related News: |