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A FORTNIGHTLY NEWSLETTER Issue #11 - August 27, 2005
“Speaking up for Animal Rights”
Man facing rabbit
August 11 at 1 am after police and RSPCA officers
saw him enter the premises with a pet box. He was
bestiality charges seen holding rabbits to his face and chest at various
times, and was challenged by police when he left
the building.
The following are a compilation of news articles One rabbit was found dead (in a nearby doorway)
from the Sydney Morning Herald, Sunday Star where he was arrested and two were found alive
Times and other news websites from 13.8.05 – but put down shortly after - one of those was found
21.8.05. in his office desk with injuries so severe it had to
be destroyed.
The investigation began after skinned and partially
skinned dead and dying rabbits began to appear in
an inner city lane off York Street, near Circular
Quay, in late July.
The discovery of three decomposing rabbits in a
paper towel dispenser inside a men's inner city
toilet on July 20 was the catalyst for an operation in
which Sydney pet stores were urged to report
suspicious purchasers.
Later, five rabbits and a guinea pig were found near
the offices of Meares McMahon Capital Pty Ltd on
August 1. The animals heads had been tortured and
mutilated, ruptured eyes hung from their sockets.
13 August 2005 Sydney: Police allege that, Alarmed at the continuing discovery of freshly
Brendan Francis McMahon, 36, a finance company killed rabbits, some whose genitalia had been
director of North Sydney, had sexual relations with mutilated, detectives began contacting city pet
a rabbit and sadistically killed 17 other rabbits stores to determine who had been buying rabbits.
whose mutilated carcasses were found dumped in A city pet store owner helped alert police after
the city over the past three weeks. McMahon, wearing dark glasses and displaying
He appeared before a Central Local Court animal scratches on his face, tried to buy three
Magistrate, Allan Moore, on Friday 12.8.05 on 21 rabbits.
charges. He offered no plea. On Thursday night, staff at Pets on Broadway, at
McMahon was arrested at his inner city office on
Page 1
the top of Sydney's George St, recognised 19.8.05 via a prison videolink, when his barrister,
McMahon from his description when he entered the Mr Doug Marr, said he would make a formal
store. application for bail.
Manager Ingrid Clancy said McMahon "was The Sydney Morning Herald reported his
wearing dark glasses and it was late night shopping company's website said of McMahon: "He is a long
and he had scratches down his face. When you term member of the NSW Art Gallery Society and
work in the pet industry you know what animal the 18 Footers Yacht Club in Double Bay. World
scratches look like." Vision also appreciate his support for the eight
Clancy said McMahon then asked for three rabbits. children sponsored in one of their projects situated
She said a staff member phoned the RSPCA and in Guatemala”
asked what to do. They said not to sell them to The Sunday Star-Times could find no trace of
McMahon. "We just said they (the rabbits) were McMahon's website.
sick," said Clancy.
McMahon left the shop, but he had bought a rabbit McMahon refused bail: get psychiatric
at Pets On Broadway's sister store in Concord assessment.
earlier that day, Clancy said. He had bought it with
19 August 2005: Douglas Marr, counsel for
a credit card, and those details eventually led police
Brendan Francis McMahon, told a Sydney court
to him. Police seized security camera footage of the
today his client's addiction to the illegal
Concord rabbit purchase.
amphetamine ‘ice’ had affected his mental state and
Police found that a credit card in McMahon's name
he required urgent psychiatric assessment.
had been used to purchase rabbits at a number of
He said his client needed to be released to see a
pet shops.
psychiatrist privately. McMahon promised not to
The lane adjoined a building in which McMahon
go within 50 metres of a pet shop if the court would
allegedly occupied a first-floor office, from which
release him on bail.
he ran a financial planning and mortgage brokerage
Magistrate Allan Moore said any assessment would
capital with Jason Meares, the brother of Jodhi
have to be carried out in custody because he felt it
Packer. (former daughter-in-law of Kerry Packer)
was not in the public interest to release him.
The company was formerly known as Transpacific
Prosecutor Laurie Gray today indicated six more
Securities.
bestiality charges relating to rabbits were
Before McMahon was charged police alleged some
pending as a joint investigation between the police
of the rabbits had been thrown from some height
and the RSPCA continued.
into the laneway. (McMahon occupied a first floor
Police and the RSPCA launched an investigation
office).
after the carcasses of three mutilated rabbits and a
McMahon was charged with 18 counts of
pet store box were found on July 20 in toilets at
committing acts of aggravated cruelty involving 17
McMahon's business address in the city, the police
rabbits and a guinea pig rabbits between July 20
statement of facts said.
and August 11 plus 2 charges of possessing
McMahon was arrested after a surveillance
cannabis.
operation found the carcasses of 40 to 50 rabbits
He was also charged with committing an act of
in a lane beside his city office, the court was told.
bestiality with a rabbit on August 1 between 3am
Magistrate Allan Moore said he was unwilling to
and 4am on August 1st.
release McMahon before a full psychiatric report
(On August 5 a dismembered white rabbit was
was done.
found in York Lane and the following day police on
patrol found a pair of grey rabbit ears and a rabbit All too often violent animal offenders get let off
corpse nearby. Three more dead rabbits were found with a fine if it’s their first offence. What happened
in pet box in the lane on August 9.) here was premeditated and repetitive and vicious
Magistrate, Mr Moore, refused McMahon bail and violence calculatedly inflicted on a defenceless
ordered him to reappear before the court on Friday animal.
Page 2
Please write to the following Sydney papers is barred from future ownership and custody of
Sydney Morning Herald: letters@smh.com.au animals and to immediately seize any animals who
The Daily Telegraph letters@dailytelegraph.com.au remain in his charge or at his address.
and you local paper to voice your disgust and
horror of this mans violent actions. Please also 4) Animal abusers are cowards. They take their
make the Sydney community aware of the link issues out on the most defenseless beings available
between animal abuse and domestic abuse. Urge to them. According to leading mental health
readers to report animal abuse to authorities professionals and law enforcement agencies:
wherever they see it (so much of it, like domestic -perpetrators of violent acts against animals are
abuse, goes unreported.) And note that, once again, often repeat offenders who pose a serious threat not
because pet shops treat animals as commodities and only to other animals, but to the community as a
make no effort to know if the animals are going to whole.
a safe environment, perverts like McMahon can -consider cruelty to animals to be a red flag for
purchase and violently abuse over 50 animals serious conduct disorders.
before getting caught! -agree that it is the severity of the behavior—not
the species of the victim—that matters.
Please email Police Prosecutor Laurie Gray
(Inner metro, Sydney) Pet cruelty linked to domestic
Email customerassistance@police.nsw.gov.au violence
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3384367a11,00.html
1) Urge him to vigorously prosecute Brendan
McMahon. Too often, people who are convicted of
21 August 2005 A study of animal cruelty in New
crimes against animals walk out of court with a
Zealand shows a disturbing level of abuse and
slap on the wrist. Urge Mr. Gray to make sure that
strong links with domestic violence.
isn’t the case here and to seek a sentence—
Unitec is due to release the study - a survey of all
including a meaningful period of imprisonment—
animal abuse cases arriving at the country's vet
that addresses the vile nature of this crime and
clinics - next month.
sends a warning to other offenders.
Last week it was reported that cats in Hamilton
2) Urge that given the violent, malicious, appeared to have been soaked in turpentine,
premeditated and repetitive nature of Mr burning their skin and causing mouth and stomach
McMahons alleged actions and the undeniable ulcers. It follows a spate of animal cruelty cases in
connection between cruelty to animals and the past few months, including many which have
interpersonal violence, that he be required to reached the courts.
undertake all necessary psychological treatment Unitec animal welfare researcher Arnja Dale said
and psychiatric counselling, drug programs in final figures for her study had not been tallied but
prison, followed by community mental health the level of abuse reported was disturbing.
supervision and mandatory counselling - the safety She said some of the cases seen by vets were
of the community and animals depends on it. harrowing. They included pets hit by spades and
A period of parole should be included in his hammers, a dog that was hanged and a puppy
custodial sentence so that he can be monitored in which was dropped in boiling water.
the community upon release from jail. His parole "They were deliberate and awful," said Dale.
should have conditions so that any further drug use She said the research, the first to measure cases of
or contact with animals/pet shops will result in a animal cruelty, was done to give a picture of the
violation of his parole and a return to jail. problem in New Zealand.
The research will show which animals are being
3) Because repeat crimes are the rule rather than abused, the nature of abuse, and who is abusing.
the exception among animal abusers, every She said overseas research proved a strong link
measure must be taken to ensure that the defendant between animal cruelty and violent offending.
Page 3
"It definitely does happen. Looking backwards with 20.8.05) left me wondering…etc.”
violent offenders makes it very clear animal abuse When sending in articles to me, please state which
needs to be taken very seriously as a potential newspaper and the date the article was published.
indicator of violence against others."
In a separate research project, due to be finished by
the end of the year, Dale was investigating the link
between domestic violence and animal cruelty
Australian Idiot, not Idol.
Please see this complaint to channel Ten’s about
because there was a "strong co-occurrence"
Australian Idol by one of our writers:
between family abuse and animal abuse.
SPCA executive officer Barbara Daw said animal "...My compliant is about the episode on 27th July,
abuse had been highlighted recently by several Australian Idol, when Shaye Biachi, a contestant,
particularly cruel cases. She said such cases was describing how she killed pigs and then did an
showed the need to collate figures on abuse to imitation of sticking a knife into it. They were
understand it and set programs to stop it. laughing about is, thinking it was extremely funny.
New Zealand Vet Association chief executive Kyle got up and Mark Holden thought is was funny
Murray Gibb said detecting animal abuse was vital too. I don't know where channel 10 gets it sick,
because of its established link with violent anti-animal sentiments from. Animal cruelty is
offending. illegal and sends the message to people that it is
"It is a fine balancing act, and the association OK and in fact funny! Any contestants should be
recognises that what is behind animal abuse does warned before hand that any animal cruelty is
have the potential to impact on the community, and NOT supported and the contestants will be reported
we have a requirement to report it," Gibb said. to RSPCA and dismissed off the air. It hurts to see
Stokes Valley vet Ian Hughes said the bulk of such terrible attitudes on TV. Shame on the
animal abuse happened out of sight and never made producers and the judges who thought it was
it to vet clinics. He said when vets saw obvious funny…" V Ortega.
cases of animal abuse they reported it to
authorities, but finding the perpetrators was often Complaints to channel ten cannot be emailed in.
impossible. They must be faxed, phoned or written.
"When nobody sees it happen, nobody can do Forms and contact details for each state can be
anything about it . . . it is very frustrating.” found at www.ten.com.au .
Also posted on a vegan message site was this
posting: What is it about Channel ten and it's
TIPS... flagrant support of reality TV contestants who love
to abuse animals for fun? First Glenn on Big
I still get the occasional letter sent to a newspaper Brother and his delight in bashing a kangaroo to
and cc’d to me. If a newspaper editor receives a death, now it's Australian Idols turn. I was
letter and can see it has been cc’d to a writers group watching Australian Idol 27.7.05 and along comes
there’s a good chance that it won’t be considered contestant Shaye Biachi. She gloats about how she
for publication. Letters must be sent to me by blind loves killing pigs and talks candidly and laughingly
copy or in a separate email. Don’t send the same about how she slits their throats, slabs them in the
letter to multiple newspapers as they prefer neck, ties their feet together and then drags them
exclusive letters. (They have ways of checking!) along tied to the back of her car. It gets worse, she
Change the letter a little bit and send to each then did a demonstration of this with judge Kyle
newspaper in a separate email. Sandilands playing the part of the pig, whilst
When writing to newspapers in reply to an article, Biachi, Mark Holden and Marcia Hines all laughed
it is a good idea to let the editor know this by uproariously at how being so violent was so funny.
making reference to that article in your letter: By Dan Archer.
Eg: “The recent article on battery hens (Herald Sun
Page 4
Go Go all for the sake of a pair of boots
- how obscene!
Letters to Senator Ian
Campbell, Minister for the
Writers Go! I will take every opportunity to Environment and Heritage.
discourage people from buying
Adidas products until this “…I wish to place on record my
abhorrent practice is ceased. horror regarding the slaughter of
Replace animal skin with our national icon, the beloved
synthetic material…” kangaroo. They are not pest
L Bristow (VIC) 20.8.05 animals. Humans are pest
animals and have single
“…David Beckham is handedly caused more damage
promoting Adidas Predator to the environment than any
Pulse football boots (Sunday other animal. Please see below
Times 14.8.05) but I don't my letter to The Sunday Times
Thank you to all writers who understand why anyone would (UK) 14.8.05, in response to an
sent copies of their letters to buy a shoe made from Kangaroo article about Australia
writers@alv.org.au. Here are leather…(letter is similar to the slaughtering it's own national
excerpts from some of the letter sent to The Sunday Times icon to provide kangaroo leather
letters. UK below)…Please end to this for Adidas football boots to be
cruelty. Don’t use kangaroo or promoted by David
(Don’t forget to send copies of k-leather in your products. It's a Beckham…”
your letters in, whether they disgrace. I have written to my C Stansfield (VIC) 18.8.05
have been published or not.) local newspaper and The
Sunday Times (UK) urging “…Recently I sent an email to
people that 'when the buying you about the slaughter of
kangaroos.
Hands off our stops, the killing stops.' This is
a picture of a joey who's mother It concerns me that these
Kangaroos! unique symbols of Australia are
has been killed. (from the
(Letters In reply to an article in
Australian Wildlife Protection being killed and sent overseas
The Sunday Times (UK) and
Council website.) for meat and fur. We are
The Age (AUS)) in which animal causing damage to our image
activists told David Beckham he overseas, showing disrespect for
shouldn’t promote Adidas’s our national emblem.
‘Predator Pulse” soccer boot We have a reputation as a
made from Kangaroo leather.) country with unique wildlife, a
well kept heritage, and lifestyle:
Letters to Adidas:
things that attract tourists to
“…I am totally outraged by Australia each year. I feel
Adidas' continued use of ashamed that we, being
kangaroo leather in the Adidas represented by you to a large
You can find out about the
Predator Pulse boot, promoted extent, campaigned to stop the
barbaric shooting of kangaroos
as the most "precise & commercial killing of whales by
on this website
powerful" boots made. the Japanese for a profit, but
www.awpc.org.au …”
The use of kangaroo leather what are we doing to our
C Stansfield (VIC) 18.8.05
promotes a trade which involves kangaroos? It makes us look
the most cruel and needless like hypocrites that we protest
slaughter of a beautiful animal; internationally to save one
Page 5
unique and vulnerable animal, Let Adidas know that its use of days from their injuries or from
while exploiting our own! kangaroo leather, in the Adidas starvation. If mothers are shot,
The Australian Wildlife Predator Pulse boots, promoted their in-pouch baby kangaroos
Protection Council has selected by David Beckham, is or "joeys" are killed by
2005 as the year of the commercial kill for commercial stomping on them or bashing
Kangaroo. They are such a high profit and will not be tolerated. them with a stick. Older ex-
profile symbol in the world and The Australian Wildlife pouch joeys flee when their
recognised everywhere, and yet Protection Council proclaims mothers are killed and they die
they are being annihilated. 2005 as the year of the from cold, starvation, maternal
They are not a feral animal, they kangaroo. It is unique to deprivation and from predators.
are native to our country, and Australia & is promoted as a A million or more joeys die this
should be protected in their major tourist attraction yet their way every year in Australia.
natural environment. numbers are declining, with this Kangaroos form close bonds
years commercial kill target at with other herd members and
There should be a ban on killing 3.9 million. have been seen to morn killed
kangaroos. There is no need. I urge all Brits to contact members by staying close to the
Property could be protected with their animal rights & body or site of death for up to
fencing. It is considered as a welfare groups, such as VIVA! eight weeks. Kangaroos are
sport to go “spotlighting” at (Vegetarians International Voice loved by Australians and their
night. This “sport” can cause for Animals) & register your soft padded paws help distribute
great cruelty as they may not die outrage at this inhumane native grass seeds. Please help
outright but suffer injuries for massacre of our national us put an end to this cruelty by
days and die a painful death. icon…” avoiding products made from
Joeys can be ignored or killed L Bristow (VIC) 20.8.05 kangaroo or k-leather. When the
violently. Joeys can be left by buying stops - the killing
themselves when mothers die, “…David Beckham is stops…”
and can die from starvation, promoting Adidas Predator C Stansfield (VIC) 18.8.05
predators or just maternal Pulse football boots (Sunday
deprivation. Times 14.8.05) but I don't
We are betraying our national understand why anyone would Dolphin aquarium
icon, and doing damage to our buy a shoe made from Kangaroo
image overseas with these leather. There is absolutely must not be built.
commercial killings. Please, as nothing sporting about using
To Mayor Stephano Zappala,
the Minister for the guns to inflict horrific injuries
Pomezia, Italy.
Environment, protect these on an animal that is the most
loveable animals…” internationally recognised “…I am writing in response to
V Ortega (VIC) 25.8.05 symbol, second only to the the proposal for an aquarium,
statue of liberty. The kangaroo Zoomarine, in the town of
To The Sunday Times (UK): is unique to Australia but is Pomezia, which will house
slaughtered mercilessly at night marine animals including wild
“…As an Australian I can by "spotlighting". Using a caught bottlenosed dolphins.
categorically state that I spotlight, shooters will attempt a As these animals are highly
am totally against the slaughter head shot, but this can often intelligent & would suffer
of kangaroos in this country. I result in horrific head and intolerably in such a confined
would advise everyone to mouth injuries. These area, I fully support the local
boycott any company or retail kangaroos escape into the animal protection group,
outlet selling kangaroo meat, fur bushes outside the spotlight's Animalisti Italiani, in their
or leather. beam and will die over several efforts to have this proposal
Page 6
rejected. animal glue traps, nearly all flooding our markets?...”
Please consider the unnecessary Australian states and territories H.M. Kennedy (VIC) 18.8.05
cruelty these mammals would are currently considering
endure in captivity & respect banning or restricting their use. “…I am 100% behind a
their God given right to remain The State of Victoria is set to be decision, by the State of
in their natural environment - the first to outlaw glue traps. Victoria, to FULLY BAN
the ocean…” The Agriculture Minister invited animal glue traps. Please do not
L Bristow (VIC) 20.8.05 public comment on the proposed compromise and consider a only
regulations until August 26, a restriction of these torture
To Senor Edoardo Petronio, 2005. devices.
President, Environmental The regulatory impact statement
Council of Pomezia: Italy “…It is so encouraging that the released in late June identified
Victorian government plans to painful & terrifying deaths
“…I beg you to think of Italy's outlaw glue traps. They are suffered by the animals caught
international image and prestige so appallingly cruel - but also a in these hideous contraptions.
- and do not imprison bottlenose clumsy and ineffective way to Victoria's use of glue traps is
dolphins in your planned kill pest animals. currently around 25% of the
Zoomarine aquarium. Rodent infestation is largely Australian market. This is
Dolphins navigate by preventable by maintaining totally unacceptable. Please ban
echolocation, bouncing sonar clean, sanitary conditions in all use & importation of these
waves off objects to determine factories, shops and houses, and inhumane traps.
their shape, density, distance plugging holes or cracks where Educating the public in ways to
and location. In a tank, says mice and rats could possibly deal with rodent infestations, in
Jean-Michel Cousteau, the enter.” a compassionate manner, would
world authority on marine life, a Also, while snap traps may take be a great community service.
dolphin's ``world'' becomes a slightly longer to prepare, they I'm sure any animal rights group
maze of meaningless are cheap, usually kill instantly, would be more than willing to
reverberations. It is unspeakably and are clean - so they can be compile such information for
cruel to imprison such used in the food industry and local council distribution…”
intelligent, social, sensitive other areas where people are L Bristow (VIC) 20.8.05
animals in such a way. Your concerned about possible
animal protection group, contamination (from poison “…I wish to make public
Animalisti Italiani is most bait). comment on the proposed
knowledgeable about this matter Glue traps do not discriminate regulations regarding Glue
- and they are campaigning to between species and therefore traps. There must be a total ban
stop such a decision. cause agony to a range of small on glue traps for the following
There are many other marine animals and birds which were reasons: Apart from their
animals that do not mind being certainly not the original target. inherent cruelty…
in large aquariums. I must say I also object most 1) There is no way to enforce
Please limit your exhibits to strongly to the fact that stricter regulations regarding the
such animals, knowing they will Australia is importing so many use of glue traps, such as
not suffer…” products from China - these "checking them more
H.K. Kennedy (VIC) 18.8.05 disgusting glue traps included. frequently" and "disposing of
I understand snap traps are the animal humanely"
manufactured in Australia - so 2) Glue traps are used mostly in
food production areas so a total
Outlaw Glue Traps why not encourage our local
industry instead of supporting a ban would be unlikely to result
As a result of increased
foreign country which is already in a replacement by poison bait.
awareness of the cruelty of
Page 7
3) Greater emphasis must be Does the 'Community of
placed on prevention - in terms Precious Blood' not recognise “…Dear Mr. Bracks,
of rat proofing buildings and the precious blood of the hens, I found out today that the
sweeping and cleaning up spilt imprisoned and subjected to a Queensland Government has
food. Also discouraging rodents torturous life, on your property? banned duck shooting on the
by eliminating areas where they Cardinal Ratzinger (now the grounds of cruelty as the birds
might nest. ie) keeping grass Pope) clearly states "...It is very often die a slow and
short around grain storage areas, contrary to human dignity to agonizing death.
blocking holes in walls, cause animals to suffer or die I call upon your Government to
spraying areas with non toxic needlessly". follow their lead. Please, Mr.
pepper sprays, mothballs, Can you not concentrate on the Bracks, you have a magnificent
peppermint oil, etc. Prevention other facets of your enterprise opportunity to do the right thing.
is the key as killing rodents will ie, crops and religious goods? How would you have your
only cause others to move into Please practice what you preach children and grandchildren
the newly available spaces…” and release these innocent birds remember the most worthwhile
C Stansfield (VIC) 18.8.05 from the hell they currently find things you achieved in your
themselves in. Let them live out time as Premier of Victoria?
Those who sent in comments the remainder of their lives in The majority of Australians
received the following reply: freedom…” would applaud you (for banning
L Bristow (VIC) 20.8.05 duck shooting). As world-wide
Thank you very much for your momentum against cruelty to
comments. When the our wonderful creatures is
consultation period closes, the
Cosmopolitan fashion building, why not make the
Minister for Agriculture will
consider the submissions and magazine takes anti- morally correct decision to ban
fur stance. these blood sports sooner rather
determine whether the than later.
regulations should be made. Many of us would urge your
I will let you know the outcome. “…Dear Cosmo,
immediate consideration…”
Congratulations for taking the
G Leven (VIC) 16.8.05
Yours sincerely, anti-fur stand in your magazine.
Jane Malcolm I and many other animal lovers “…Dear Mr Craig Langdon and
Bureau of Animal Welfare in Australia fully support your Premier Steve Bracks:
Department of Primary stance and we will NOT shop I would like to inform you that
Industries, Victoria here in any store that sells fur. Ms Desney, Environment
There are many exotic fake furs minister for Queensland, has
available, being attractive and permanently banned duck
Happy Hens in Hell non-violent in origin. Well hunting in her State.
done…” I admire her conviction and her
To Guido Colla at Happy V Ortega (VIC) 18.8.05 concern that it is a cruel, blood
Hens battery hen farm: sport, and it should also be
immediately banned here in
“…I am writing to point out to Ban Duck hunting in Victoria. This is a good time to
you the hypocrisy of running a Victoria take on the same commitment.
cruel and inhumane facility such Writers sent emails to their local Not all the ducks and quails are
as the Happy Hen egg farm MP and/or Premier Steve killed instantly and humanely as
whilst at the same time Bracks following news that some are shot in the wings or
preaching the need for Queensland has permanently get surface wounds and die a
compassion and mercy. banned duck shooting . slow and painful death. Another
Page 8
concern is the environmental Pro-duckshooter is absolutely nothing 'sporting'
damage done by the pellets left or 'recreational' about using
gets a blasting!
behind, and the to other water shotguns to inflict horrific
A pro-duck shooting letter by
birds. The mentality of shooting injuries on these gentle and
Graham Browning in
and killing should be a thing of defenceless native waterbirds.
Tasmanian newspaper The
the past. Please make it our past When a shooter fires, the pellets
Advocate 22.8.05 drew a
too…” V Ortega (VIC)18.8.05 spread and birds are often shot
blasting from our writers. This
through the wings, eyes, feet or
peanut got roasted! See our
“…Ms Kirstie Marshall, Mr body. The way shotguns
replies sent to The Advocate:
Steve Bracks: operate make it impossible to
I write to you both as the local ensure that a duck is killed
PUBLISHED LETTER
member of Parliament & outright, even by a skilled
“…In response to David
Premier of Victoria to take a marksman. Most shooters are
Brownrigg and his
stand to ban duck shooting in not very accurate, and instead of
condemnation of the banning of
Victoria as the state of killing the bird in one shot, they
duck shooting in Queensland;
Queensland has done. often injure them. Legs and
does he really think that this will
Minister Desley Boyle has wings can be left dangling and
encourage animal activists?
announced the ban in bills smashed. Eyes can be shot
Does he think that one form of
Queensland citing duck from sockets or left bulging and
cruelty justifies another?
shooting to be "a barbaric full of blood by a pellet blow to
Animal activists have many
practice" and causes the head. A live bird with no
items on the agenda, including
"unreasonable pain and obvious external injuries may
intense animal farming, but this
suffering." die days or weeks later after
does not mean they can ignore
So after all these years, it is time suffering prolonged pain. And
the unnecessary cruelty of this
for us to ban this cruel practice don't forget the beautiful swans
duck killing "sport". Many
which leads to untold damage, and herons on the same
ducks are not killed outright and
not only to birds but also to the wetlands who also become
are left to suffer and die slowly,
environment. casualties – just to keep a
especially if shot in the wings or
Be strong and stand up and be handful of duck shooters happy.
eyes. Also the spent pellets
counted, and back the many Duck shooting is cowardly,
cause pollution in our wetlands.
people opposed to duck cruel, and it's banned in NSW,
There needs to be a permanent
shooting. I will monitor closely WA, the ACT and now
ban of duck shooting in each
the decisons taken and look Queensland. Perhaps you
state, to follow Queensland's
forward to you banning this haven't realised that modern
lead. Blood sports should be
practise now. I am absolutely society no longer tolerates
part of Australia's history. There
sure the majority of the cruelty as a basis for
are many legitimate sports,
population is against duck recreation…”
including target shooting,
shooting and you as our C Stansfield (VIC) 23.8.05
without involving cruelty…”
government representatives V Ortega (VIC) 24.8.05
must see that and act PUBLISHED LETTER
accordingly…” PUBLISHED LETTER “…Another redneck letter, this
M Cordell (VIC) 18.8.05 “…Graham Brownrigg, (letter time defending mans "right" to
22.8.05), I don't know why you open fire on defenseless ducks. I
would want to open fire on a fail to see how filling a small
duck. Perhaps it is because you bird full of lead pellets qualifies
have got a problem with your as a "sport"? I fail to understand
own 'equipment' and need the enjoyment of injuring and
something else to shoot. There maiming countless birds and
Page 9
leaving them to suffer, suffering in tremendous pain. It species, and members of such
sometimes for weeks. If duck begs the question of why do groups regard intensive farming
hunting in Tasmania is well these hunters prey on the weak? certainly as amongst the most
managed why are bullet proof Are they over compensating for obscene examples of animal
vest considered necessary by something that is lacking in abuse.
some hunters? (Pity we can't their lives? We should But there is absolutely no moral
design same for the ducks!) The standardize the laws and ban justification for duck shooting.
standard consumption of alcohol hunting across the entire As Queensland Premier Peter
by many shooters blurs rational country…” Beattie said, it has “no place in
judgement, the proof of this S Tuck (VIC) 22.8.05 contemporary society in (the)
being the number of different smart state”. Tasmania, by
species which are "accidentally" “…In response to Graham failing to implement the same
downed. Brownrigg’s letter (August 22) ban, shows itself as one of the
about the Queensland few remaining “stupid” states,
Tasmania has a fragile Government’s very enlightened allowing “customs” that belong
ecosystem and the impact of ban on duck shooting, one has in the dark ages…”
duck shooting can be to question the motivation S Cass (TAS) 24.8.05
catastrophic, with lead behind his views on this so-
poisoning from shooters pellets called “sport”. “…Graham Brownrigg (letter
left behind causing a slow and The link between animal cruelty 22/8/05) could not believe that
painful death for both ducks and and human abuse and violence Queensland had banned duck
swans. Duck shooting may go has been well established by hunting. Well I could not
back generations, so did slavery, leading scientists, and there is believe that Graham Brownrigg
that did not make it right. absolutely no question that duck was serious in his letter to you.
Activist societies like AACT shooting is cruel. Thousands of What is sporting about shooting
seek to put an end to barbaric birds are maimed and left to die defenceless ducks? I am a Qld-
animal husbandry practices, slow, painful deaths. What sort er and rather proud that this
some of which date back to a of people is it who enjoy such activity is banned in our State,
time when man was little more an activity? What pleasure is as well as in NSW, WA, and the
than a savage…” there to be gained from blasting ACT.
E Hardy (TAS) 24.8.05 these beautiful but defenceless Hopefully Victoria will soon
creatures from the sky? come good too. Not many
PUBLISHED LETTER All too often, there is the shooters are accurate enough to
“…I wish to respond to Graham presence of alcohol, begging the kill a little duck with one shot.
Brownrigg's letter of 22 August question of whether these are Ducks and other waterbirds are
2005 in relation to duck people who should be in charge cruelly injured and go off to die
shooting: How about we shoot of firearms at all. And the - it is just cowardly…”
you continuously with pellets practice is not at all well- E Spencer (QLD) 24.8.05
just like a duck and see how regulated anywhere in the few
much you like it. Whilst no one remaining states in which it is (I posted your email with the
denies that animals kill other still legal, including Tasmania. Brownrigg letter onto the
animals, this is merely to ensure As for the “animal rights” Veganforum Australian thread.
their survival. Nature has not in agenda, groups such as Against Hopefully, quite a few will write.
any way dictated that humans Animal Cruelty Tasmania exist – E Spencer)
must shoot ducks for enjoyment. because there are people who
Quite frankly, you have to be “…Why doesn't Graham
have no consciences about the
very sadistic to enjoy the sight Browning take up a sport in
gross abuses perpetrated upon
of a poor defenceless animal which the target is not a living,
so many animals by the human
breathing creature that will most
Page 10
certainly experience “…I applaud Graham breedings to fill our shelters,
unnecessary pain when he Brownrigg (letter 22.8.05) for without allowing them to be
inflicts his 'rights' upon it? If realising that intensive farming bred for pet shops. The supply
the duck population is 'healthy', practices are cruel. They are, is much greater than demand,
why doesn't he leave it that appallingly so. But so, I'm and meanwhile the public is
way?..” T Aitken (VIC) 24.8.05 afraid, Mr Brownrigg, is duck asked to financially support
shooting. Mr Brownrigg tells us, these shelters, while profits
“…Graham Brownrigg ``hunters have to pass a duck ID continue to be made! Shame on
(22.08.05)- I am amazed at your test'' anyone who knows Mr Bob Cameron (Vic Minister
lack of understanding of a anything about shooting knows for Agriculture) and the State
number of issues. Firstly, duck it's extremely difficult for even Government who refuse to
hunting has been banned by the best shooter to finish a bird amend the Animal Act
many Australian states because with one shot. Many ducks, and (Domestic/Feral)to make this
the majority of people recognise other birds that the hunters have breeding illegal…”
that the practice is cruel, not blasted by mistake (or because V Ortega (VIC) 22.8.05
only to ducks but to other they're carried away with the joy
species that live on the of it all), escape to die later in “…It is great to see the Herald
wetlands. Not all bullets hit their agony. Humans with guns Sun supporting the cause of lost
targets. against little birds - what and abandoned animals. Sadly
Secondly, most people who heroes! Why don't you take on the killing of 2,500 dogs (per
belong to animal rights groups some real sport…” year in Australia) as well as
are generally concerned about H. Kennedy (VIC) 25.8.05 thousands of other pets each
both animals and people. Many week will continue until pet
practices that affect animal shops are banned from selling
welfare affect human welfare animals. Impulse buying of
Abandoned Animals
also, often indirectly, which is animals and the subsequent
These letters were sent in reply
why people don't often abandonment of them is the
to the Herald Sun’s 22.8.05
recognise the consequences. I main reason why our shelters
article about The Lost Dogs
am both an animal rights activist are full. This simple legislative
Home in North Melbourne and
and a medical research scientist act would solve most of this
International Lost and
and I am not irrational in any suffering overnight. And good
Abandoned Animal day.
way and I don't 'target' anyone. news for Bracks; it would
The majority of people like “…Referring to the touching not cost the government a
myself seek only to inform and article "Home displays a soft cent…” I Killip (VIC) 23.8.05
educate others in recognising touch" (22/8). How tragic it is
what goes on around them and “…Why buy a dog from a pet
that over 350 unwanted dogs are
then doing something to change shop when there are so many in
put down each day in Australia
it. Many people don't like shelters just begging for loving
because they are unwanted and
change though... homes? All our animals have
homeless. State governments
Lastly, what goes on in 'nature' come from shelters as unwanted
refuse to regulate this unethical
does not involve sadism or pets. They are and have been the
profiteering. Animal welfare
money- the two things you will most beautiful companions you
issues are not dealt with if they
most often find involved in any could ever wish for. Maybe they
threaten the livelihood of
form of animal cruelty where don't have pedigrees, but who
profiteers who keep dogs in
humans are concerned…” cares when they are so beautiful
cages and continue to breed
L.M.Campano (VIC) 24.8.05 and so plentiful?
them to supply pet shops.
I would love to see a world
There are enough back yard
where shelters aren't needed
breeders and accidental
Page 11
because people are responsible. thriving. Please think about this spirits." I strongly suggest that
Many times I observe more and insanity when choosing your the French government
more that children have more next pet. Dogs are not implements the following:
sense and love for animals than disposable commodities...” • There needs to be a
adult humans. So please think G Lenven (VIC) program of registration of dog
twice about "buying a pet”, go and cat ownership so that
to a shelter and adopt one…” homeless animals can be traced
M Cordell (VIC) 23.8.05 Dogs as shark bait to their owners.
• Animals need urgently to
“...Further to my previous letter in French Territories
be de sexed to stop
suggesting people look to indiscriminate breeding, and
Mr Pierre Viaux,
shelters for pets rather than vaccination programs. Please
Ambassador of France
buying from pet shops or puppy send some veterinarians to help
Embassy of France in Australia,
farms. out in this need. An alliance
6 Perth Avenue,
between local and foreign
I'd like to tell you about a friend Yarralumla, ACT 2600
veterinarians, as well as rescue
of mine. She happened to be at a
“…Dear Mr. Viaux, groups, would finally forge the
shelter collecting animals, not
I am writing to bring to your path to humane reform
dropping them off, when she
attention that on the French • Animal shelters should be
saw a small defenceless old dog.
island of La Reunion in the established to protect, de sex
This poor old dog had been a
Indian Ocean, fishermen have and to re home strays, if
mother of many, a "puppy
been using live dogs and cats as possible.
machine". She was 14 at the
bait for sharks. • After all effort to find
time I think and could no longer
This happens in such territories homes for these stray animals
have any more puppies so the
as Réunion where dogs-as-bait has been made, and only then,
owners took her along to the
occurs. The dogs and cats have should an animal be considered
shelter and ridded themselves of
hooks passed through their for euthanasia. I understand
her.
snouts or through the tendons in massive roundups and
This dear old dog was so lucky
their legs and the hooks are euthanasia are common.
to be rescued by my friend. At
attached to lines and rods. The • There needs to be harsh
first she was very,very
hapless animals are then tossed and consistent laws that are
frightened and it took some time
into the water where their enforced for animal abuse. I
before she would associate with
struggles attract sharks. This is understand that the courts rarely
anyone. But after careful love
horrific abuse of companion seek the maximum jail sentence.
and attention by my friend this
animals that must suffer terrible In fact, most offenders are not
dog is now the sweetest, loving
agony in their deaths! even convicted. When they are,
little dog you would adore. She
I respectfully ask the French penalties are little more than
has just had her 18th birthday
government to take probation and a small fine.
and I think she has more to
responsibility for the wretched I also urge tourism agencies to
come.
state of homeless animals recognize the routine incidence
So think about adopting from a
throughout its overseas of animal abuse. I will not visit
shelter please…”
territories. Guadeloupe, Martinique,
M Cordell (VIC) 24.8.05
In Guadeloupe 40,000 to 70,000 Guyane, Reunion,
homeless dogs dodge bullets, Saint-Pierre et Miquelon,
Printed in the Herald Sun
poison, and in a culture that Mayotte, Nouvelle-Caledonie,
24.8.05
views them with apathy, hate or Polynesie francaise,
“...While more than 350 dogs
fear. Some believe dogs are Wallis et Futuna, or Deputes
are killed each day in Australia,
"inhabited at night by evil Europeens until vigilant strides
puppy farms and pet shops keep
Page 12
are made to enforce animal Guadeloupe, ..(etc).. Deputes “…With regard to the report I
protection laws in accordance Europeens there are have received about animals
with the laws of Metropolitan people participating in continual being cruelly treated in the
France. and inhumane animal abuse. French Territories I am
One of the most perverse crimes In Guadeloupe thousands of thoroughly disgusted and
occurs on the French island of dogs are brutally slaughtered in extremely upset. I read in the
La Reunion, where stray or mass killings despite the report that live dogs and cats are
stolen dogs and cats are used as availability of article R271-4 of being used as bait to lure sharks
"bait" to lure sharks. French law the "code rural" deeming the in these areas. I cannot believe
outlaws this barbaric custom. sterilization and release of stray that these human beings who
I encourage officials to work animals in overseas think they have a right to subject
with international organizations departments, legal since 2002. these atrocities on the animals
willing to assist in sterilization, A most heinous crime is of this world can get away with
vaccination, and adoption occurring on the French island this.
programs in the French of La Reunion where stray dogs These humans have NO right to
territories. I hope the French & cats are being used as live inflict this cruelty. There are
government will implement 'shark bait'. It is beyond ones other ways to "make a living"
humane education systems in its comprehension that such a without resorting to this barbaric
overseas communities. Until sadistic & barbaric practice practice. I, as many others in
animal protection laws are exists! Although illegal, this world, will boycott and
wholly enforced, I will ask according to French law, rarely shun anything to do with these
others to join me in a tourism are offenders even convicted. territories and any country
boycott of the French territories. The magnitude of these animals' condoning this situation.
The thought of this abuse of suffering would be so immense. It is greed and avarice that these
companion animals abhors me. This cruelty must really STOP people are succumbing to…
Please let some humane animal NOW. What are we becoming;
welfare action start I urge all tourism agencies to moronic, callous, brain dead
immediately…” exercise a boycott of the above individuals? I call upon all
V Ortega (VIC) 25.8.05 areas until major changes are authorities to act in the best
seen to be taking place in the interests of the animals and
Emails sent to French enforcement of existing animal stop these cruel practices.
Officials & Tourism Agencies: protection laws. I will not be Authorities must enforce local
visiting any French governed animal welfare issues. At the
“…I respectfully request the area nor will I be purchasing moment fisherman are being let
French Government to take a any French product until the off with a warning and a fine
stand and increase its rights of animals there are this is not enough.
enforcement of animal protected & respected. I have Stray animals must be
protection laws, throughout its asked my friends and family to controlled humanely. Eg:
overseas territories, in join me in this boycott. sterilisation. Plus you need to
accordance with the laws of If needed could the French educate the people not to let
Metropolitan France. Government call on other animals stray. Teach them to be
Furthermore I ask tourism national & international animal responsible for their animals.
agencies to recognise the rights/welfare groups for This report will be going to The
unending abuse of animals in assistance in addressing this Sea Shepherd. Also to the
these areas and call on them to issue without delay…” media: A Current Affair in
demand action to bring an end L Bristow (VIC) 25.8.05 Australia. Plus a lot of other
to such despicable treatment. public places, not only in
In the French territories of Australia but around the world.
Page 13
You must take action now Letter to The Age: sexed to stop indiscriminate
(Website links included in letter) breeding, and vaccination
Yours Sincerely..” “…I am writing to bring to your programs. Please send some
M Cordell. (VIC) 24.8.05 readers' attention that on the veterinarians to help out in this
French island of La Reunion in need. An alliance between local
REPLY from the Indian Ocean, fishermen and foreign veterinarians, as
info@ambafrance-us.org have been using live dogs and well as rescue groups, would
cats as bait for sharks. finally forge the path to humane
Thank you for writing to us with This happens in such territories reform
your concerns. Animal rights as Réunion where dogs-as-bait *Animal shelters should be
are an important issue in occurs. The dogs and cats have established to protect, de sex
France: over half of French hooks passed through their and to re home strays, if
households have at least one snouts or through the tendons in possible.
pet, and France has some of the their legs and the hooks are *After all effort to find homes
world’s most stringent animal attached to lines and rods. The for these stray animals has been
rights legislation. This hapless animals are then tossed made, and only then, should an
legislation applies to our into the water where their animal be considered for
overseas territories as well, and struggles attract sharks. This is euthanasia. I understand
specific efforts are also horrific abuse of companion massive roundups and
underway there (because of animals that must suffer terrible euthanasia are common.
their particular conditions). agony in their deaths!
Several sterilization programs The thought of this abuse of *There needs to be harsh and
are gradually reducing the companion animals abhors me. consistent laws that are enforced
population of stray dogs that Some humane animal welfare for animal abuse. I understand
can be found on certain islands. action needs to start that the courts rarely seek the
As for the practice of using live immediately. maximum jail sentence. In fact,
dogs or cats as shark bait I respectfully ask the French most offenders are not even
(which was never widespread government (in letters to the convicted. When they are,
nor traditional, but introduced French Ambassador and Frech penalties are little more than
by ruthless individuals), it has President) to take responsibility probation and a small fine.
been strictly banned for decades for the wretched state of I also urge tourism agencies to
now, and French authorities homeless animals throughout its recognize the routine incidence
continue to be very vigilant overseas territories. of animal abuse. I will not visit
regarding this matter. In Guadeloupe 40,000 to 70,000 Guadeloupe, ...(etc)... Deputes
We ask that you reconsider your homeless dogs dodge bullets, Europeens, until vigilant strides
boycott of France’s overseas poison, and in a culture that are made to enforce animal
territories in light of the fact views them with apathy, hate or protection laws in accordance
that French authorities are fear. Some believe dogs are with the laws of Metropolitan
aware of and dealing with the "inhabited at night by evil France, and some efforts made
problems you refer to. Moreover, spirits." I strongly suggest that to deal with stray animals as
these problems tend to be the French government suggested above…”
exaggerated in the reports that implements the following: V Ortega (VIC) 25.8.05
are being spread online. *There needs to be a program of (website links were included in
Sincerely, registration of dog and cat letter)
Press Office. ownership so that homeless
animals can be traced to their Some writers took further
owners. action:
*Animals need urgently to be de
Page 14
I have passed this info onto years I have lived in Whittlesea. and smaller dogs. He's had basic
nearly all of my friends. I am a male sheep - a Merino to training, i.e.: sitting and staying.
I have also sent the info to be more precise, and I have If you are interested in Spencer
Humane, WSPA and IFAW. been neutered so thankfully I or know someone who might be,
Humane Society hadn't heard of don’t have the big horns because please contact Linda on (03)
it so they were shocked and sometimes I like to play, which 9833 5963 or her partner on (03)
interested. could make that a problem..... 9765 6401. (Spencer is
M Cordell 24.8.05 Since I was a lamb I have Melbourne based).
been sharing a back yard with
M Cordell received this reply my Kelpie friend.
I am sadly restricted to the yard.
Thanks for sending through the "Bouncer" a 3 year old pure
I really need more space and
information on the dog and bred, desexed male Boxer and
more grass to graze. I still get
shark issue. We are putting "Princess", a desexed, female
my morning Weetbix but I
together an international Maltese are looking for a loving,
dream of space to roam free.....
campaign on this which will be permanent home.
If anyone can help me find a
run out of our European office new loving home I will help pay
with support form all our other my way (I do a great job on the
regions. lawns and my wool is well
Hard to believe these barbaric sought after!) - please call or
acts still occur in the world email my friend Melissa.
today.
Thanks again for your concern. Tel: (03) 9432 8730
Mobile: 0439 638 242
Verna Simpson, Director lissarama@hotmail.com
Humane Society International
Phone 61 02 99731728
Fax 61 02 99731729
verna@hsi.org.au Spencer is a Kelpie X German
www.hsi.org.au Shepherd, who is looking for a
permanent home, preferably
I passed on the info to A Current with a good sized back yard and
Affair. C Stansfield.
Last Word
Does anyone have Ideally, they'd be kept together.
daily walks. He is 5 years old,
room in their paddock desexed, microchipped and is up If interested, or know someone
for me? to date with all his vaccinations. who might be, please contact
"Hi, my name is Donald Nella on (03) 9467 7997.
He's a bit scared of bigger dogs,
(because I was born in Donald, (due to having been bitten by They're based in Melbourne.
Victoria) and for the past three one), but is great with children
Page 15
