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Friday 1st May

AACT Condemns Quail Shooting as Season Due to Open

Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania (AACT) is critical of the Tasmanian Government for still allowing recreational shooting of Brown Quail. The annual four week open season (in the north of the State only) is due to start tomorrow Saturday 2 May amid concerns about the cruelty of quail shooting.

“The Tasmanian Government has again endorsed the broad scale slaughtering of native wildlife.” announced Chris Simcox, spokesperson for AACT, “As a society we should not tolerate this rampant destruction of wild creatures. AACT are strongly opposed to any form killing, particularly when it is purely for fun.”

Last year Tasmanian shooters claim to have bagged over 5000 Brown Quail during the open season. Based on wounding rates for other species due to shooting, it is expected that many more were left wounded and dying.

“Shooting anything living being with a shotgun is a guarantee of causing injury and suffering.” said Mr Simcox, “Shotguns disperse a spray of steel pellets that invariably wound, and rarely kill outright. A number of shots is usually needed to kill a bird, and some quail will escape with injuries. That any animals should be left to die slowly of human-inflicted wounding is intolerable and disgraceful.”

Other States have brought an end to quail shooting, including Western Australia and Queensland. AACT believe Tasmania should join their ranks.

“By allowing an open season on Brown Quail, the Tasmanian Government is saying it is okay to kill native animals for fun.” said Mr Simcox, “This is abhorrent and totally unacceptable by the standards of our modern society. Tasmania needs to become more progressive and outlaw cruel and unethical killing practices, as other mainland States have done. We demand an end to quail killing in Tasmania.”

For more information contact:
Chris Simcox, Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania Ph: 0429 015 110
Jenn Beer, Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania Ph: 0408 970 359