DUCKS left injured by shooters can receive veterinary care through Wildlife Victoria. The wildlife rescue organisation will deploy veterinary triage units statewide this duck hunting season to care for ducks left hurt by hunters.
Wildlife Victoria CEO Lisa Palma has slammed the state government for failing to ban duck hunting in the wake of a parliamentary inquiry into recreational native bird hunting. She says the lack of action will leave other animals at risk during duck hunting season. “We were incredibly disappointed in the government’s decision, especially considering the recommendations from the committee and the resounding call from Victorians supporting a ban,” Palma said.
“If the government were truly concerned with improving welfare outcomes and hunter behaviour, they would have cancelled the 2024 season and waited until improvements in safety and compliance were made before allowing hunters to return to the wetlands. “Once again, Wildlife Victoria will need to divert veterinary resources away from hardworking volunteer wildlife rehabilitators and the Victorian public to provide veterinary care to injured waterbirds illegally left in field.”
The 2024 duck hunting season began on 10 April, and will run for eight weeks.
First published in the Mornington News – 24th April 2024
