It’s time the 'recreational' killing of native waterbirds for fun is ended permanently.
It’s time the 'recreational' killing of native waterbirds for fun is ended permanently.
Duck shooting ended in Western Australia, New South Wales and Queensland in the 90s and early 2000s to end animal cruelty and protect the environment.
While legislating the recommendations of the Select Committee on Victoria’s Recreational Native Bird Hunting Arrangements won’t please the shadowy gun lobby, most Victorians want to see ducks and other wildlife respected and properly protected.
Indeed, most Australians support the protection and humane treatment of our wildlife.
Inhumane methods of killing ducks continues on Victorian wetlands and as long as shooting is permitted, individual animals will suffer greatly along with species.
In the 2022 ‘open season’ alone, more than 320,000 ducks were killed and an estimated 100,000 were left to die in great pain on the wetlands.
The science shows waterbird numbers in serious long-term decline, so now is the right time to end this destructive, unnecessary and cruel slaughter.
Opposition to duck hunting doesn’t just come from those who rightly object to animal cruelty and environmental degradation.
Earlier this year, The Age reported Victorians living near duck shooting zones experience “higher stress levels during hunting season, and say they’re concerned about the safety of their children, the wellbeing of their pets and their quality of sleep.”
No one has the ‘right’ to own a gun or to shoot our wildlife in Australia, this is only accorded through social licence backed by government legislation. This social licence no longer exists, so we call on the Victorian Government to end duck hunting now and forever.
About Gun Control Australia
Gun Control Australia is the representative body for the majority of Australians who support uniform, effective and sensible firearms legislation and policy. While we recognise that there is a place for firearms for certain purposes, we believe our community deserves to live without fear of gun violence, and we need to be vigilant to ensure Australia’s gun laws remain current and effective.