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Kangaroo Cull Canceled

Hopping mad protesters win reprieve for Canberra 'roos

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 2, 2008 2:40 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Hundreds of kangaroos living on a former Australian naval base have won a stay of execution, the Independent reports. Plans to cull the animals met with a public outcry, and protesters vowed to form a human shield to protect the 'roos. The animals have been grazing heavily on grassland at the site, and environmentalists charge that they're damaging the habitat of some rare species.

Paul McCartney was among those blasting the plans as a "shameful massacre." The government dropped arrangements for a cull last year in the face of organized opposition, but reinstated them when it was deemed inhumane to relocate the kangaroos. The government now plans to give relocation another go—but critics say the money would be better spent protecting animals more endangered than the beloved national symbol.

Gunilaroi Tribe member Robert Craigie speaks to protesters about the cull of 400 eastern gray kangaroo at the Belconnen Naval Transmission Station at Lawson, Canberra Sat March 15, 2008.
Gunilaroi Tribe member Robert Craigie speaks to protesters about the cull of 400 eastern gray kangaroo at the Belconnen Naval Transmission Station at Lawson, Canberra Sat March 15, 2008.   (AP Photo/Mark Graham)
One of the 400 eastern grey kangaroo to be culled at the Belconnen Naval Transmission Station at Lawson, Canberra is seen Saturday, March 15, 2008.
One of the 400 eastern grey kangaroo to be culled at the Belconnen Naval Transmission Station at Lawson, Canberra is seen Saturday, March 15, 2008.   (AP Photo/Mark Graham)
One of the 400 eastern grey kangaroo to be culled at the Belconnen Naval Transmission Station at Lawson, Canberra is seen Saturday, March 15, 2008.
One of the 400 eastern grey kangaroo to be culled at the Belconnen Naval Transmission Station at Lawson, Canberra is seen Saturday, March 15, 2008.   (AP Photo/Mark Graham)
Some of the 400 eastern grey kangaroo that had been targeted for a cull at a base near Canberra.
Some of the 400 eastern grey kangaroo that had been targeted for a cull at a base near Canberra.   (AP Photo/Mark Graham)
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Moving kangaroos could be risky
The Age

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Canberra Times

Kangaroo meat business booming
Christian Science Monitor

 
Australia • animal rights • New South Wales • animal • kangaroo • Canberra

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