[Greens-Media] Minister must stop endangered animal sales to backer of safari parks for hunters

[Lee Rhiannon]

MEDIA RELEASE
6 August 2009

Minister must stop endangered animal sales to backer of safari parks for hunters

Commenting on the sale of endangered antelope by Dubbo Zoo to a member
of the Shooters Party Greens MP and animal welfare spokesperson Lee
Rhiannon said the transaction should never have been allowed and has
called for the NSW Environment Minister Carmel Tebbutt to overhaul
what NSW zoos do with excess animals.

“People expect zoos to protect and care for animals not sell them off
to a person intent on using them for hunting,” Ms Rhiannon said.

“This is another example of the NSW government pandering to the Shooters Party.

“Minister Tebbutt can't side step this embarrassment for her
government by saying she does not have to approve the sale. She is the
minister responsible for Western Plains and Taronga Zoos.

“My office was tipped off about the sale of zoo animals to Mr Bob
McComb a few months ago and we then put a series of questions to the
Minister. Her answers reveal that in 2007 and again earlier this year
Dubbo Zoo sold blackbucks to Mr McComb for between $160-$300. The
Minister also disclosed that 'some animals may be humanely
euthanased.'.

“Minister Tebbutt needs to publicly state that the sale of any zoo
animals to hunters is unacceptable and that she will seek expert
advice on establishing ethical guidelines for the management of
animals excess to what zoos can manage.

“Mr Bob McComb who bought the blackbuck antelopes from the Dubbo Zoo
apparently hopes to set up a safari park for hunters if the Shooters
Party Bill before the NSW Upper House is passed by the government.

“Today Premier Nathan Rees and Minister Tebbutt need to make the
public statement that the Shooters Party bill to establish safari
parks and allow recreational shooters to hunt feral animals in
National Parks will never be supported by the Labor government.

“The Minister also needs to ensure that the blackbucks sold to Mr
McComb are not used by him for private hunting purposes.

“As he now owns these animals he may have the legal right to shoot
these animals on his property even if the Shooters Bill is not passed.
This should not be allowed.

“This sale of zoo animals puts a further cloud over the management
style of the current Director of Western Plains and Taronga Zoo Guy
Cooper. The Minister should ensure that Mr Cooper's replacement has a
zoological background and a commitment to animal welfare,” Ms Rhiannon
said.


For more information – 0427 861 568