The report from the independent animal welfare assessment of the kangaroo management program released today has confirmed the program complies with the National code of practice for the humane shooting of kangaroos and wallabies for non-commercial purposes in all aspects and that current shooting protocols should be maintained.
ACT Conservator of Flora and Fauna Bren Burkevics said he welcomed the report as a measure of transparency and reassurance to the Canberra community that animal welfare standards are being achieved as part of an important conservation program.
"The independent animal welfare assessment has confirmed that the 2023 kangaroo management program complies with the national code of practice in all aspects and that current shooting protocols should be maintained," Mr Burkevics said.
"The outcome of the report reflects the significant planning, training, professionalism and operational discipline that is delivered by Conservation Officers as part of a complex program where there are a significant number of variables that influence program delivery.
The report has noted that a minority (5%) of animals were missed, non-fatally wounded or not rendered immediately insensible by initial shooting but has recommend that current shooting protocols be maintained.
"Whilst a low percentage of kangaroos were not deemed immediately insensible, the report confirms that the overall percentage is higher that for most published studies of wildlife shooting and similar to that observed for the same management program in 2015 and 2017.
"The report notes the challenges that exist with night-time shooting methods and has reaffirmed the importance of exercising caution when approaching culled female kangaroos for pouch young.
"Conservation Officers that deliver the kangaroo management program are retrained each year and are required to achieve high standards of target identification and firearm use.
"In addition, the ACT is the only jurisdiction that restricts culling of female kangaroos to a specific time period each year to reduce the risk of orphaning young and increase welfare outcomes for kangaroo populations.
"With the ACT entering into another El Nino and the likelihood of hot and dry conditions likely, the ongoing management of the ACT's kangaroos will be critically important to ensure they don't starve or overgraze the ACT's natural temperature grasslands which are critical endangered and home to many threatened species.
"As another measure to support best practice in the kangaroo management program, the ACT Government has engaged an independent expert to conduct a five-year review of the Eastern Grey Kangaroo Controlled Native Species Management Plan, which covers all management techniques for this species, including fencing and fertility control.
"As part of this process, invitations to provide feedback on current management processes have been extended to known interest groups."
