Hunting and O’Farrell in the firing line
Image: Photo: Game Council NSW website
NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell’s temporary decision to hold off legalisation of hunting in NSW national parks has failed to quell wildlife conservationists opposing the premier’s pro-hunting deal with the Shooters and Fishers Party.
Following allegations the Game Council’s acting Chief Executive Greg McFarland was involved in illegal hunting on the Central Coast, Mr O’Farrell’s has withheld the changes made to the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002, but only for now.
The changes give the Premier and his government control over who can hunt in over 79 of the state’s national parks.
“The community is against this cruel blood sport,” said State MP Alex Greenwich.
“With the head of law enforcement suspended for suspected animal cruelty, the government should take this opportunity to stand up to the Shooters and Fishers Party and keep our national parks safe and gun-free.”
Critics and protesters have argued that if a government member could not comply within the hunting guidelines, who’s to say the situation won’t worsen once the legislation comes into effect.
“This is a logical extension of an existing policy; a sensible measure to remove these pests which damage habitat, kill native animals, kill stock, rob stock of feed and damage crops across the state,” said Mr O’Farrell.
Lynda Stoner, CEO of Animal Liberation, said this deal would only cause more harm towards animals and humans alike. In the past five years there have been incidents whereby humans have been mistaken for deer or other fauna.
“There has always been a rogue element in the hunting fraternity,” said Ms Stoner.
“As a species we are greedy to use animals for whatever purposes we deem fit and when they no longer suit they are relegated into being called pests or vermin, and because of those semantics, we justify doing pretty much anything to them.”
Rabbits, hare, fox and deer are just some of the animals Mr O’Farrell may allow to be culled.
By Sophia Phan
