Animal Welfare Outrage.
How can it be that Tasmanian legislation demands wildlife, protected in mainland states, be mandatorily destroyed if found in Tasmania. The question is who signed off on legislation so severe that it fails to consider discretion where warranted?
Animal welfare agencies Australia wide should be outraged. Several months ago it was perfectly acceptable to repatriate surrendered turtles back to the mainland after DPIPWE Wildlife Management implemented a poorly advertised amnesty. Reptile Rescue brokered repatriation of a large number of turtles on behalf of that agency during the amnesty.
It must be remembered that those turtles are legally sold in mainland pet shops. If it was good enough to repatriate during the amnesty why can’t it continue? A vast number of these animals have been children’s pets for many years. How would society feel if people were ordered to surrender their family pets to be put down?
Reptile Rescue once again stands ready to facilitate and meet repatriation costs if the authority will implement appropriate discretionary permits.
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Murray River turtles threatened by drought.
Ian Norton
CEO Reptile Rescue Inc.
If you are a supporter of animal rights, please read on...
A recent newspaper article highlighted the perils if turtles were to establish in Tasmania. Like all introduced wildlife there are risks when they establish outside of their quarantined existence.
Habitat and temperature requirement will impose nature’s own restrictions, and we must never forget the threat that turtles may have on another introduced species, trout. A recent amnesty allowed such reptilian interlopers the opportunity of relocation back to the mainland where they are afforded sanctuary as a protected species. Reptile Rescue in particular Darron Cameron coordinated the repatriation funded by Government. So what’s changed now the amnesty is over and turtles turn up? Why is there a need to euthanase them?
Given that turtles are protected wildlife in their state of origin, and society's abhorrence to cruelty and the edict of welfare for all creatures great and small advertised by the RSPCA, why is it that those entrusted with care for wildlife can kill with impunity? It’s an unnecessary evil, when only months ago similar reptiles were given a chance. I’ve heard the arguments stating that disease implications warrant destruction. Again why the inconsistency in policy application?
Our wildlife authority has an obligation to care for all wildlife regardless of state boundaries. These hapless reptiles don’t get here by their own means, they are introduced by well meaning people who purchase them from mainland pet shops believing that they are entitled to bring them into the state. If turtles were cuddly furry, cute little creatures, animal welfare agencies and animal lovers alike, would beat the doors down of DPIPWE in order to save them.
If our wildlife agency can’t find the means to repatriate turtles, Reptile Rescue stands ready send them home and cover the costs given the opportunity. We encourage your support, please help us save turtles! Express your outrage where ever and whenever you can.
The Kill policy and a heavy fine is meant to send a strong message to anyone thinking of importing a turtle as a pet. Turtles now have the same status as foxes in Tasmania while afforded protection in other states and territories in Australia. Why is the person who made this 'final solution' directive still in a job? This is an extreme and draconian method to dissuade turtle imports. Turtles are the real victims.
