Turtle slaughter raises questions

THE recent posting of a graphic video showing a turtle having its flippers hacked off while still alive has prompted RSPCA Qld to call for a review of traditional hunting.

The RSPCA would also like to find out where the video was actually filmed so they can investigate the incident.

“We’re committed to ensuring that any breaches of the Animal Care and Protection Act are fully investigated while at the same time taking into consideration traditional hunting rights,” RSPCA Qld chief inspector Michael Pecic said.

RSPCA Qld chief executive Mark Townend said that until now cruelty to animals using traditional hunting methods has been “put in the ‘too hard’ basket by governments”.

“We can’t do this alone. We’re a charity and yet it appears we’re the only organisation that is taking this matter seriously.”

He emphasised that the RSPCA’s stance was not an attack on the indigenous community.

“Far from it,” he said. “We have Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island elders who support us on this issue. Hunting from tinnies with rifles is not traditional. Leaving turtles and dugongs to be butchered alive and left to die on the beach is not traditional.”