Australians appalled by seal massacre

Deutsche Presse Agentur
Published: Friday September 1, 2006

Sydney- The Australian government Friday promised tougher penalties for animal cruelty after more than 40 fur seals were massacred by shooters on a remote part of the coast of Victoria. "The penalties are quite severe, but to see the destruction of Australian native wildlife on this scale you begin to ask what sort of human being could do this to another animal," Environment Minister Ian Campbell said.

Two professional fishermen from San Remo, near Wilsons Promontory where the killings took place, are expected to face charges next week. Police seized high-powered rifles thought to have been used in the attack.

There are about 10,000 seals in the Wilsons Promontory area. Fur seals are a protected species.

Animal welfare group RSPCA claimed the fishing industry had a hand in the slaughter. RSPA president Hugh Wirth said the industry had "fought tooth and nail when certain fish were included in the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act in Victoria."

The Seafood Industry of Victoria (SIV) denied its members were complicit in the illegal cull. "This is not something we condone in any shape or form," SIV executive director Ross McGowan said. "Seals are part of day-to-day fishing activities and our guys recognise that these animals are part of their operating environment."

© 2006 DPA - Deutsche Presse-Agenteur