Wildlife Bytes 27/8/12

Editorial

For all of us who have been trying to find out what happened to pollice officer who killed 20 kangaroos and their joeys near Booral in Queensland, the Police disiplinary process seems to be in a shambles. Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers said  in the media this week that "Neither the police, the CMC, nor the public have faith in the current police disciplinary system," he said. "I believe we are on the cusp of achieving a better model." Mr Leavers said the appointment of Commissioner Bob Atkinson's successor was crucial to ensure they maintained the momentum for change. Almost half of complaints to the CMC are about police officers and in the 2011-12 financial year, 2305 involving more than 6000 allegations were received - a 5 per cent reduction on the year before. Police Minister Jack Dempsey said the Government wanted to find "balance" to the discipline process. Meanwhile the the Newman Government stalls reforms to the police disciplinary process to make way for another review on the eve of the appointment of a new Police Commissioner. And this week we recieved letter from the CMC and they inform us an Inquiry into this incident is still under way!! 

As Lindy Stacker from WLPA said in a recent letter to the Queensland Police Minister "We unfortunately can only assume that only a 'warning' was applied via a infringement notice which amounts to no prosecution, no fine and that the officer in question was not even stood down from his position where he is bound to enforce the law and not actually break it. What message does this send to the general public who expect our police force to uphold the law and when this trust is breached, apply the appropriate consequences to police staff demonstrating that they are not only NOT above the law but that you take these illegal activities seriously. Our legally protected wildlife have suffered pain and suffering because people like the officer you are protecting, feel that they have impunity and you have proved them right. Officers and individuals who perpetrate such vile crimes should be dealt the strongest and harshest penalties. Furthermore, such individuals require lengthy counselling to protect our voiceless wildlife and other human primates from their violence and uncontrolled aggression".

Lateline Kangaroo Story

The contaminated kangaroo meat story on Lateline was pulled at the last minute last Monday, and will now be run tonight (Monday 27th)  at 10.30 pm. * WPAA

Hello, you've got cash.

Theres a vir.us going around that looks exactly like a Paypal email, that tells you you've got cash, and to click the attachment. Of course, the attachment carries the virus. The email says " You've Got Cash! Hello, This email confirms that you have received a payment from LUISA ERICKSON". If you get such an email, we strongly advise all wildlife groups who use Paypal to check your account balance to ensure you have recieved any cash, and DO NOT click the attachment.....or any other attachment that you get, and dont know who its from. *WPAA

Slow Worms

Slow worms – which resemble snakes – burrow into the ground and a Dalston man believes there may be around 50 of them in the UK village churchyard. The slow worms are a protected species and resident Dave Hickson says they should be treated with care. Mr Hickson said: “They’re in the ancient part of the yard and there’s a conservation plan being put together. “They are there because the area hasn’t been disturbed, and they should be protected as much as they possibly can.” He added that in order to ensure the population thrive, the grass in the yard should be cut less regularly to avoid the lizards being killed. Bryan Craig, chairman of Dalston parish council, said: “There’s a history of slow worms being in this area but we have to look after the people who use it as well. “We have agreed that we will have a survey and we are doing no more work in that area until that has been completed.
“Grass cutting has stopped and we are doing nothing more.” * Newsandstar.co.uk/

Ed Comment; These slow worms are one of our favorite reptiles. They are small, harmless, very sleek and attractive, and they dont bite! *

Fur Ban Likely

A new bill to place a ban on fur sales in Israel, lead by 8 MKs from across the political spectrum, was submitted to the Knesset. Should this legislation be adopted, Israel will become the first nation worldwide to officially ban the cruelty of the fur industry. Israel may well become the first country to ban fur sales nationwide. Localized bans already exist on the fur trade in cities and councils around the world, such as Dublin and Fingal in Ireland and West Hollywood in the USA. Throughout the world, more and more anti fur laws are being considered and passed; at the same time new regulations are being introduced to restrict and limit the fur trade. The hope is that Israel shall be the first to join as an entire nation, the growing number of compassionate fur free cities. Each year millions of animals all over the world are killed suffering unbelievable cruelty, for their fur. These animals spend their short lives anguishing in tiny mesh cages to later face electrocution, to be beaten to death or even skinned alive. * Antifur Coalition  Read more  ..  http://www.antifurcoalition.org/

Sick Fish

Gladstone's fishing industry has rejected the findings of a new study which show fish health is improving in central Queensland. Diseased fish have been found around the Gladstone Harbour since last year. The State Government says a survey by fisheries officers has found the health of fish stocks in the Boyne, Calliope, Fitzroy and Burnett rivers is recovering. However, Ted Whittingham from the Gladstone Fish Markets says sick fish are still being caught around Gladstone. "I mean I can't say what's going on in the Burnett or the Fitzroy," he said. "The reports that we're getting in from in and around the Gladstone port ... we've had three reports this month of jew and bream very sick and very diseased. "One fisherman has decided to leave the area altogether and go to Hervey Bay because there's very little fish there and what he is catching, more than 50 per cent of it is diseased." * ABC

Tortoises

The western swamp tortoise has an upturned mouth that resembles a permanent grin - and this endearing little creature may soon have something to really smile about. As Australia's rarest reptile - and one of the world's five rarest turtle and tortoise species - this WA endemic has just reached a conservation milestone. Thirty juvenile tortoises have recently been released into Twin Swamps Nature Reserve, about 35km northeast of Perth, greatly boosting the wild population.  With only 40 mature individuals thought to remain in the wild prior to this, the World Conservation Union (IUCN) had listed the species as critically endangered. The western swamp tortoise (Pseudemydura umbrina) had been feared extinct for over a century until it was rediscovered in 1953 in two small swampy habitats in the Swan Valley. *
Read more  ..  http://www.australiangeographic.com.au/journal/australias-rarest-reptile-making-a-comeback-.htm

AZWH Patient of the Week,  Dixie the Whistling Kite

Age: Sub-adult Sex: Unknown Found By pigging dogs at Coochin Creek in Glass House Mountains, with a fishing hook and lure from its beak to its feet pinning its head down. Transported to The Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital by the concerned gentleman who made the discovery. Veterinary Assessment: Dr Amber’s assessment found Dixie also had a fractured middle toe on the right foot that required amputation. Treatment: Dr Amber administered Dixie pain relief and anaesthetic in order to remove the hooks and amputate the injured toe. She also cleaned the wounds to Dixie’s leg and beak. Future: As raptors require specialised care, Dixie will undergo intensive rehabilitation at the AZWH. Assessment before release will ensure Dixie is able to hunt in the wild. AZWH Statistic: Over 40 patients so far this year have been admitted after becoming entangled in fishing tackle. Please be a responsible fisherman and clean up around our waterways! *AZWH

Climate Change

Arctic ice has shrunk to the lowest level ever recorded, according to satellite data from the past week that shows a massive melt is still under way. The ice cap had contracted to just over four million square kilometres, about 77,000 square kilometres smaller than the previous record low in 2007, data from the International Arctic Research Centre and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency indicates. With two or three weeks of warm temperatures yet to come, the area covered by ice may fall yet further, to below four million square kilometres. It means that, unless the pole grows dramatically cooler, the Arctic ice cap is very likely to vanish entirely during summer by the middle of this century.
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/environment/arctic-ice-cap-takes-a-heating-satellites-show-20120826-24ul7.html#ixzz24gn6qWZY

Flying Foxes

An increase in hungry bats entering Hervey Bay backyards in search of food has prompted a health warning from Queensland Health. Hervey Bay bat carers and residents have reported an increase in underweight bats being found in residential gardens seeking limited food sources during the day. Queensland Health's senior director of communicable diseases, Dr Christine Selvey, urged people to avoid touching the bats. She said the chances of bats approaching humans increased when they were hungry. "We ask people to use common sense and avoid going near the bats that are clearly looking for food, to avoid being scratched or bitten," Dr Selvey said. "Anyone who is concerned about a sick or injured bat should make contact with a fully vaccinated wildlife rescuer or carer who is trained to handle and care for bats. "Call the experts rather than taking the matter into your own hands. Bat bites and scratches most commonly occur as a result of someone trying to rescue or pick up a sick, injured or distressed bat, so we ask people not to do it." Dr Selvey said all bat scratches and bites required treatment, including vaccination. If you have been bitten or scratched phone 13 432584 (health) for advice. * Sunshine Coast Daily

Mining Downturn

Many millions of Australians will breathe a sigh of relief over the downturn in the mining Industry.  While the decision by BHP Billiton to cancel its $30 billion Olympic Dam mine expansion project, and the downturn in the coal Industry, which is likely to have direct repercussions for the wider Australian economy, many Aussies had fears for the environmental impacts.  Media beatups, political grandstanding, Japans nuclear disaster, and potential threats to the Gt Barrier Reef had millions of Australian's extremely worried. While we need mining, it has to be handled properly, in line with community expectations. Everyone knows what an environmental disaster Gladstone Harbour turned out to be, and few people trusted our politicians to make environmentally wise decisions about the touted mining Industry expansion. Now it appears its not going to happen, due to the downturn in Chinese manutacturing Industries. So perhaps someone will now decide we need another War..........* WPAA

Become a Wildlife Warrior

By making a one-off donation or joining our monthly giving program you can become part of a global wildlife force that is working hard to preserve our natural environment. Monthly Giving Program; Sign up to become a regular giver for wildlife conservation! Donations start from as little as $2.50 a week and can go to helping our native wildlife at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. Nearly 100 wildlife emergency calls are received every day at the Hospital, Up to 30 different species are admitted to the hospital every day, Currently around 80 koalas undergoing treatment, Approximately 70% of patients are victims of car accidents or domestic pet attacks, The cost to treat one animal ranges from $100 to thousands of dollars To sign up or find out more please visit http://www.wildlifewarriors.org.au *

National Parks

Victoria’s national parks will be opened to private tourism development under sweeping changes announced by the state government this morning. Responding to a report investigating ways to boost the tourism industry, Treasurer Kim Wells said opening national parks to nature-based development would bring Victoria into line with other states and territories. What development is ultimately approved will be directed by guidelines to be created by state Environment Minister Ryan Smith, who will act as the ultimate gatekeeper on what projects get up. Mr Wells said the government would only allow sensitive, environmentally appropriate  investment by the private sector in national parks. ‘‘It will give more visitors, domestic and international, an opportunity to experience our beautiful and unique natural environment and it will ensure Victoria’s tourism industry is better able to compete for tourists in the ecotourism market,’’ he said.
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/environment/national-parks-to-be-opened-up-for-development-20120823-24o1q.html#ixzz24OyMa4Ep
Ed Comment; A recent poll conducted by the Age showed that 81% of Voctorians were opposed to development in National Parks

Whales

A yachtie has leapt from his boat to save a whale trapped in shark drum lines off North Stradbroke Island.  Peter Brown has told the ABC he called authorities but after waiting half an hour, decided he had to act to save the distressed 12-metre mammal. He jumped from his vessel after seeing the whale in distress off Point Lookout on Wednesday morning. The feat has stunned rescuers who regularly risk their lives saving thrashing whales weighing several tonnes. Mr Brown grabbed a kitchen knife and used it to cut away nets that had entangled the whale. "Eventually it seemed to swim away from all the ropes and the buoys that were tangled with it," he said. "And very slowly, and in a very groggy fashion, it swam away. And then the two lads (from Sea World) who'd been called already came and followed it out and made sure it was OK." *Courier Mail

Emus

Emu Farms in Erode and Salem districts of Tamil Nadu (India) are in an appalling state. Once termed the most lucrative opportunity in the poultry-meat business, emus are being starved and slaughtered indiscriminately after the state police started booking cases against the farm-promoters for cheating 2,000 investors of an estimated Rs 300 crore. These farms were set up by importing seed-birds from Australia at a cost of nearly Rs 30,000 a pair. The Economic Offences Wing of the Tamil Nadu Police has registered 2,700 cases against 20 emu farm owners in Erode district till 14 August. “Now more and more people are coming forward to register cases against farm owners who cheated them,” says S Ganesh, the Erode District Revenue Officer who had conducted investigation in the district. Emu farms burst on the business scene in 2006 with high-voltage media campaigns, using popular Tamil film stars as their brand ambassadors. Within five years, around 250 emu farms mushroomed in the state. The bubble burst this summer, leaving many of marginal farmers, who were conned by the promoters, in a lurch. The promoters claimed that the meat was being exported to Australia. *
Read more  ..  http://www.tehelka.com/story_main53.asp?filename=Ne250812SLAUGHTER.asp

New Rat Found

The world's first known gummy-mouthed rat - which sucks on worms to survive rather than gnawing on everything in sight - has been discovered in a remote rainforest in Indonesia. Scientists spent two days trekking through a mountainous region of Sulawesi before they spotted the creature, which has neither cheek teeth for grinding nor chisel-like front teeth. The senior curator of mammals at Museum Victoria, Kevin Rowe, said the new species, whose scientific name Paucidentonmy vermidax meant "few-toothed mouse and devourer of worms", was unlike any of the 2200 species of rodent on earth. "This isn't just a slightly different rat with a different coat colour, this is something that is really different," said Dr Rowe, who discovered one of two specimens of the new species over two expeditions to Sulawesi last year.

Read more  ..  http://www.theage.com.au/environment/conservation/rat-that-doesnt-bite-is-a-cute-little-sucker-20120822-24lo1.html

Bob Irwin Foundation

Slash loves reptiles. So does Bob. And that’s enough. A deep affinity for the cold-blooded creatures has forged an unlikely friendship between the legendary Guns N’ Roses guitarist and wildlife warrior Bob Irwin. Today, Slash will help his mate officially launch the Bob Irwin Wildlife Conservation Foundation in Brisbane. When Irwin found out his friend was coming to Australia on tour, he decided he couldn't let him leave without a cuppa and a chat. "Slash nice to see you are back in Australia again. Are you coming up to Queensland to see the crocs and the snakes," he wrote. But Slash - who counts California kingsnakes and Burmese pythons among his pets - went one better, agreeing to help the father of late crocodile hunter Steve Irwin launch his new conservation initiative. Bob has returned the favour by urging his followers to see a show while Slash is in the country. "Be sure to get along to a show and support my reptile fancier friend," he tweeted. Slash’s fascination with reptiles is well known and he once told Reptile magazine: ‘‘A lot of my snakes have been really good friends of mine." He spoke of taking some of his snakes on the road when he "didn’t really have a place to live". These days they live in custom-built comfort at his home. * AAP

Gt Barrier Reef

Divers have killed about 1300 of the coral-devouring crown of thorns starfish on reefs off Cairns in the first 10 days of an intensive mission to prevent another outbreak.  Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators executive director Col McKenzie said the 14- member dive crew targeted the pest starfish at Briggs, Moore and Tedford reefs for the first 10-day mission. He had hoped the team would cull about 500 crown of thorns starfish in that time and was surprised by the result. "That's a big catch - 1300 really does show that we are doing the right thing," he said. Crown of thorns starfish are one of the biggest threats to the Great Barrier Reef because they eat their weight in coral every day. The dive crew, part of a $1.4 million year-long mission funded by the Federal Government, kill the starfish by injecting them with sodium bisulphate. Mr McKenzie lobbied the Government earlier this year for funding to launch a dedicated boat-based operation before the starfish's summer breeding season begins. Each female spawns about 20 million eggs. "The more of them we can take out of the breeding numbers, the better," Mr McKenzie said. The dive crew headed back out to the Reef yesterday for another 10-day mission and they planned to target the killer starfish at Saxon, Norman, Hastings, Michaelmas reefs and around Fitzroy and Green islands. The increased flow of nutrients into the Reef from flooding in recent years has caused young crown of thorns starfish to flourish. Past outbreaks have lasted between 10 and 15 years. There have been three recorded crown of thorns starfish outbreaks since the early 1960s and each lasted between 10 and 15 years. The last was from about 1995 to 2005. *Courier Mail


Wallabies

Acting Richmond Area Commander Greg Moore says it's an unnatural rise in the number of dead wallabies around Lennox Head, and police are concerned about the suspected pattern. Police say the shootings appear to be occurring in darkness, possibly in the early hours of the morning and during week days. (Ross Kay - ABC) Police on the north coast are investigating the deaths of around a dozen wallabies near Lennox Head. The dead animals have been found along Seven Mile Beach in the past few weeks. On Tuesday police were called to investigate the shooting death of one of the protected animals after calls from the public. Acting Richmond Area Commander Greg Moore says it's an unnatural rise in the number of dead wallabies and police are concerned about the suspected pattern. "Obviously we can't confirm that they have all been shot but we do have concerns that at least one of the wallabies appears to have been shot. We are very keen to hear from anyone that has information that might help us identify the person or persons involved in the deaths of these animals. Police say the shootings appear to be occurring in darkness, possibly in the early hours of the morning and during week days. Detective Inspector Moore says penalties exist through the National Parks and Wildlife Service for killing protected wildlife including six months in jail or up to an $11,000 fine as well as serious penalties for discharging a fire arm in a public place. He says police will be stepping up patrols of the area. "The areas that they've [wallabies] been located have fortunately been away from built up areas further to the North of Seven Mile Beach but still obviously discharging a fire arm in an area such as that potentially could have serious consequences". Anyone with information can call Ballina police on 6681 8699 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 * Network Item

Big Cats

Decades of shadowy sightings, grisly livestock kills and mysterious paw prints are being scrutinised as scientists sink their claws into verifying the existence of Victorian big cats. But rather than scouring bushland for the beasts, they'll be working from the safety of state government offices. Victorian Agriculture Minister Peter Walsh says Department of Primary Industries and Department of Sustainability and Environment officers will spend months reviewing sightings, photos, reports and other evidence submitted over the years to determine whether the elusive creatures exist. ''We're not going out in pith hats beating the bushes,'' Mr Walsh said yesterday. ''This is about actually doing the analytical work.'' Sightings have been recorded in the Grampians, the central highlands, south Gippsland, the Alps and the Otways. Deputy Premier Peter Ryan pledged before the 2010 election to investigate sightings, saying there were ''enough credible observations'' to justify a report. Asked why the government was not investigating other urban legends, Mr Walsh said the big cat issue was more serious than many realised. *Age

Koalas

The Fur Trade: A brief history

Koalas began to be hunted for their skins during the second half of the 19th century. They were shot and in some cases poisoned, and their pelts were then exported to the US, Canada and Europe to make hats, gloves and the inside lining of coats. Koalas were being hunted in NSW, South Australia and Victoria in numbers that were staggering - in 1902, 600,000 koala skins were purchased in NSW alone. Historian Ellis Troughton claims that in 1924, more than 2 million koala skins were exported from Australia's eastern states. But by the early 1900s, koala numbers had dropped so sharply that governments in NSW, Victoria and South Australia all moved to put an end to koala hunting. Church leaders and wildlife conservationists agitated for the end of koala hunting, but in Queensland, despite widespread public protests, the trade continued - in part because it provided employment for rural workers. In 1927, public outcry increased dramatically in the lead up to what became known as "Black August". In that month, nearly 600,000 koala pelts were collected. However, it is estimated that if the number of joeys killed and spoiled skins are also considered, close to 800,000 koalas may actually have died. It turned out to be the last open hunting season on koalas in Australia. The backlash that followed helped topple the Labor government in elections in May 1929. *ABC



Take Action for Koalas: Write to ask that Koalas be listed as a threatened species – this will mean development in habitat areas will be minimised and conservation efforts improved and funded by the government. Koala populations in Qld, NSW and ACT are currently listed as vulnerable.

Email the State Minister for the Environment
Copy your email to the Premier
Copy your email to the federal Minister for the Environment, Tony Burke
Copy your email and write a concerned covering note to your local state member of parliament.
Local council? If in an area affected by development.
Letters to the editor


Qd State Minister Enviro: Andrew Powell glass.house@parliament.qld.gov.au

Vic State Minister Enviro: Ryan Smith  ryan.smith@parliament.vic.gov.au

NSW State Minister Enviro: Robyn Parker office@parker.minister.nsw.gov.au

Premiers:

QLD: Cambpell Newman http://www.thepremier.qld.gov.au/tools/contact.aspx

NSW: Barry O’Farrell office@premier.nsw.gov.au

VIC: Ted Baillieu http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/contact.html



The recent and steep decline of koalas across Australia show that our national environment laws need to be made stronger and not weaker as the federal government is planning, the Australian Greens said today. “The Australian koala is unique, but despite only recently getting federal protection as a result of a Greens-instigated Senate Inquiry, our national laws are still not strong enough to save them from extinction,” Greens environment spokesperson, Senator Larissa Waters, said. “Now the ALP government and Tony Abbott’s Coalition are ganging up to water down these laws even further, putting the future of our precious koala, and other threatened species, at serious risk. “The ALP and the Coalition are planning to palm off the federal government’s environment responsibilities to the states, including the protection of threatened species – so the only authority to protect the koala will be the same authority that profits from the development that’s killing them. “The koala will be only one casualty of this disastrous scheme to roll back environment protection – every endangered species and precious place we love in Australia is up for grabs. "The Greens are the only party willing to stand up for our unique wildlife, our precious places, and the communities that want them protected across Australia.” The Greens are also planning to introduce a bill to better protect koalas before the Senate in the near future. * Greens


Sunshine Coast Koala Wildlife Rescue has called for an investigation to be opened into the death of a koala found decapitated last week after discovering his testicles had also been removed. In what was first thought to be a motor accident, brothers Ray and Murray Chambers now believe koala Sullivan met with foul play after his carcass was discovered at Weyba Downs by the side of Emu Mountain Rd. Sullivan, who had been rescued by the brothers late last year and nursed back to health from a bladder infection, was found with his head missing last week only five metres from his home tree. He was taken to Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital who said the injuries were consistent with a motor vehicle strike. Ray has now called the death into question.  "A lot of things don't add up," he said. "When we picked him up we could see the body had been tampered with. "We checked the area as well. There was no blood on the road and no body fluids. "At first I thought he was hit by a car and it took his head off?...?but in my experience it was such a clean take that it just couldn't have been." Ray feared Sullivan could have met foul play at the hand of a person or persons. "There could be some sick person out there?...?there's no excuse in today's world to do anything like this," he said. "I believe in an eye for an eye with this kind of thing."  Sullivan was first brought to the attention of the Koala Wildlife Rescue service after he was found with a bladder infection late last year. He was treated over a couple of months and released back into the wild. *SC Daily

Kangaroos

New research will determine the best way to euthanise orphaned joeys. When female kangaroos are shot and harvested for their meat, their joeys are not meant to be left to fend for themselves. Department of Primary Industries scientist Steve McLeod says new research is needed to work out the best way to kill the orphans. "We've been interested in this issue for a long time, it's only recent that we've able to secure funding to do this work and also more recently that we've found a spring loaded captive bolt gun which could be used to improve the welfare of euthanised in pouch young. "This is something that hasn't been used before in Australia, we've sourced them from Europe where they're used for rabbit sized animals and poultry." *ABC

Ed Comment; We understand that the use of captive bolt pistols to kill inpouch joeys was rejected by the Federal Committee that was set up in the 90's to overview the kangaroo killing Code of Practice, nicely named  ( the National Code of Practice for the humane shooting of kangaroos and wallabies for commercial purposes. ). However, government bureacrats looking for money now appear to have got some funding to pursue this silly idea. To suggest that a kangarooo shooter, in the dark, in the middle of nowhere would take the time to ensure the bolt pistol was appropriately placed against the squirming joeys head is just laughable, if it wasnt so horrifying. Obviously they are looking for a more humane way of killing joeys, because of public backlash, but the reality is there is no humane way to do this, nor can it be justified for any reason. We all know the terrible way possums were killed with a captive bolt pistol in John Kelly's Tasmanian possum abbatoir......killing baby kangaroos with such a horrific weapon would be just as bad if not worse.



Dingoes

An injured juvenile dingo is believed to be roaming around Fraser Island, after rangers shot at the wild dog near K'Gari earlier this month. The dingo was one of two dogs earmarked by rangers to be destroyed, after they reportedly nipped a staff member in two separate attacks near the campground. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Great Sandy Strait regional manager Ross Belcher said the one of the dingoes had been humanely destroyed by rangers on August 6."A dingo with a history of aggressive and dangerous incidents on the north-east coast of Fraser Island was humanely destroyed," Mr Belcher said. "A second dingo was also identified for humane destruction on August 8, for its part in a similar attack." Mr Belcher said a QPWS officer had attempted to shoot the second animal, but was unsuccessful. The shooting of the island dingo has sparked an uproar among local community groups, with one group labelling the destruction of the animals as unacceptable. Save the Fraser Island Dingo spokeswoman Cheryl Bryant said the death of the first young dingo, and attempted destruction of the other was appalling.

"We were hoping that the culling of dingoes would stop while the review was under way," Ms Bryant said. "But one dog has already been killed, and the other apparently has a hole in its neck. "It's just not acceptable to have this poor animal wandering around with a hole in its neck." Indigenous members of the community had also contacted the group to voice their disgust over the death of the canines, Ms Bryant said. "These two dogs were young juveniles from last year's litter," she said. "They were camp dogs, who lived among the indigenous members on the island, and now one is dead and the other is injured. They were never considered dangerous by people living on the island." Ms Bryant said members of the SFID organisation were disappointed by the government's reaction to the incidents. * Chronicle



Kangaroos

Wildlife volunteers from across the state converged on Plenty Gorge Park in South Morang to stop a suspected kangaroo cull. Parks Victoria denied plans to shoot kangaroos but confirmed an ongoing fox control program took place every Tuesday and Thursday. Members of the Australian Society for Kangaroos patrolled the park on August 10-17 but said they only heard gunfire last Tuesday. The society believed a roo cull was cancelled at the last minute. Spokeswoman Fiona Corke said she was told by reliable sources that kangaroos would be shot on August 13 and 15 because they caused car accidents on Plenty Rd. "I'm even more suspicious now, because if that fox control program is that well known, where did those Monday and Wednesday dates come from?" she said. Ms Corke said controversial kangaroo culls in Eden Park (2011) and in South Morang (2009) made wildlife volunteers suspicious. "Kangaroos land-locked on McDonalds Rd (South Morang) were killed under the cover of secrecy while a relocation program was about to be approved by an animal ethics committee," Ms Corke said. "If the Government wants to start growth corridors, it needs to start finding ways to move wildlife non-lethally." Parks Victoria ranger-in-charge Barry Coombes said the fox program at Plenty Gorge Park had run for more than three years, with almost 200 foxes removed. He said the program would continue indefinitely and was conducted with the Sporting Shooters' Association of Australia, which was responsible for notifying nearby residents.  * Whittlesea Leader

An adult kangaroo has been found shot through the neck with an arrow on the Mareeba Golf Course this morning. The kangaroo is thought to be about five years old. Golfer Jim Logan thought he saw three men walking along the golf course's fence line shortly before they encountered the injured kangaroo. "There’s no need for that in modern society," My Logan said. Another witness, John Pilbin, said the animal seemed distressed. "If you’ve got an arrow through your neck of course it would be distressing. You'd have to say he was in some pain," he said. RSPCA Queensland spokesman Michael Beattie said there had been a number of arrow attacks on animals across the state recently. "I just can't understand what possible enjoyment anyone could get from shooting an animal that is totally defenceless and normally stationary," Mr Beattie said. Mareeba Golf Course manager Jeni Duck said she was furious at the shooting. She said about 100 kangaroos on the course caused no harm and were in fact a tourist attraction.KThe animal is expected to survive and will undergo a procedure to remove the arrow later today. *Cairns Post

Kangaroo Meat and Preservatives

Aug. 20, 2012, 12:44 p.m.
THE RSPCA wants action over pet meat preservatives believed to have led to deaths of pet dogs and cats. The use of sulphite preservatives in fresh pet meat for cats and dogs is widespread, according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences. "Where sulphite-treated pet meat is the sole or predominant source of food, pets risk nutritional deficiencies, particularly the potentially fatal thiamine deficiency," a recent ABARES report on the pet food industry said. The RSPCA agrees, saying thiamine deficiency causes severe neurological problems and can be fatal. It says sulphur dioxide in food can destroy thiamine. "The Australian Standard for Manufactured Pet Food contains clauses that address the sulphite issue by including a mandatory requirement that any product containing sulphur dioxide, sulphite or potassium sulphites must contain sufficient thiamine ..." However, the RSPCA remains concerned about raw pet meat products and other products not falling under the standard containing sulphite preservatives.

Vet and RSPCA Tasmania acting president Paul Swiatkowski said yesterday he had seen cases of pet death due to thiamine deficiency. Dr Swiatkowski said it had been mostly cats, which had a much higher need for thiamine than dogs. "If there's a better alternative I would support the banning of sulphites. "It's just some pets will only eat one type of food and that's where it becomes fairly critical. "If it's deficient in thiamine and they're eating it over a very long period, that's where you're going to see major problems develop over a long period of time."
ABARES said three options to fix the problem were: Add thiamine to pet meat; Ban the preservative; or, Adequate labelling. "Currently, no market or industry incentives exist to address the issues of sulphite preservatives in pet meat." *Advocate News
Ed. Comment, all pet meat including kangaroo carries preservatives that are illegal to use on meat for human consumption.