NPWS concerned about use of snares to kill kangaroo

Thursday, 19 July 2007

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is concerned about the recent discovery of a kangaroo which had been killed in a snare in the Towamba Valley west of Eden.

NPWS Ranger Rachel Butterworth said today that the incident was reported by a local resident.

“We received the call at the Bombala NPWS office and went out to investigate and found a dead kangaroo which had died a cruel death strangled in a wire snare.”

“The animal had obviously suffered enormously as it was found with deep lacerations around the neck.”

“This is highly illegal and all native animals are protected by law.”

“Landholders who are experiencing difficulties because of an over abundance of kangaroos can contact us and seek a licence to cull a certain number but culling can only legally be conducted by shooting.”

“Snares are not legal and are a particularly cruel way to kill an animal because death is slow.”

“We will be contacting local landholders in the area asking for information about who might have been responsible for this.”

“There are severe penalties for those people who are caught harming native wildlife and we do catch people.”

“Only recently four people were charged in relation to the killing of kangaroos on the south coast following a tip off from the public.”

“People caught using snares can also be prosecuted for animal cruelty by the RSPCA.”

“If anyone does know anything about this latest incident then they should contact the Bombala office of the NPWS as soon as possible,” Ms Butterworth said.