Page 3141 - Week 08 - Thursday, 7 August 2008
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(10) How many kangaroos were injured during the cull;
(11) What actions were taken and in what way were procedures changed or modified during the cull to avoid injury to or stress in the kangaroos, noting Dr Maxine Cooper’s report into Belconnen Naval Transmission Station as part of the Investigation into ACT Lowlands Grasslands, in particular that the contractor will be required to address animal welfare concerns including stopping work immediately if the kangaroos become stressed and that there is to be a review of procedures if any kangaroos are injured during any stage of the procedure, and noting also that Michael Linke, the Chief Executive Officer for the RSPCA ACT has stated that kangaroos were injured during the cull;
(12) How many kangaroos were confined in pens at any given time;
(13) What was the maximum amount of time any one kangaroo was confined to pens and how was this monitored;
(14) What steps were taken to ensure penned kangaroos had access to adequate food and water;
(15) What steps were taken to provide shelter for the penned kangaroos as required by the ACT Animal Welfare Act, noting that during the cull thunderstorms, hail and heavy rain occurred;
(16) What steps were taken to ensure that does (mothers) were not separated from their joeys during all stages of the cull and how was this monitored, noting that the separation of does and their joeys is an acknowledged cause of stress and undue suffering;
(17) Noting that, according to information provided by Dr Maxine Cooper, the striped legless lizard has not been found inside the fenced area of Belconnen Naval Transmitting Station but has been identified as present in the area adjoining the fenced area, what steps is Environment ACT taking to protect its known habitat in this adjoining land.
Mr Stanhope: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) The ACT granted a licence for the killing of kangaroos to the landholder - the Department of Defence. Defence managed all aspects of the operation, including contractor arrangements. Specific information on the operation can be obtained by contacting the landholder.
(2) The landholder has not yet provided a report on the operation and therefore the ACT Government is not in a position to provide this information.
(3) Through its contractor, The Department of Defence had primary responsibility for ensuring the welfare of the animals. Defence had arranged with the RSPCA to spot check the cull at its discretion. The licence to kill kangaroos, issued by ACT Government required Defence to notify the ACT Government Veterinarian in time for the Government Vet to make spot checks, at the Government Vet’s discretion. This requirement was met. In addition, one of the ACT’s researchers, who was present on the site most of the time, is an authorised Conservation Officer under the Nature Conservation Act.
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