22/5/2010 Today Still Wild Still Threatened released videos of endangered Tasmanian devils filmed in proposed logging coupes in the Upper Florentine valley. The films are being screened on Parliament lawns today from 10:30am, coinciding with the International Day for Biodiversity. more information click here
Brushies Under Threat
From Commercial Exploitation!
The Brushtail Possum in Tasmania is under threat of increased commercial exploitation. Yesterday we sent a request for people to help us with a protest on Saturday, now here are the details about the proposed plan that has forced us into action.
Currently up to 10,000 Brushtail Possums are killed under commercial licence for the domestic meat and fur trade. This number is set to increase to around 100,000, and expand to an international market, if the State Government Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment have their way!
The Draft Management Plan for the Commercial Harvest and Export of the Common Brushtail Possum needs to be approved by the Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts before it can proceed. The Plan is currently open for public comment until April 23, 2010.
Please add your voice!
Tasmania is the only state of Australia to allow the commercial use of Brushtail Possums.
This plan for commercial activity in an international market revisits a former plan that expired in 2004.
The current plan has come about mainly because of the agitation of one operator who stands to make money from the lives of these possums in the export of carcasses to Asia.
The markets of Asia require that the possums are killed in an abattoir, not in the field. This means that possums are trapped, kept confined in tiny transport boxes for up to 48 hours, before being unloaded and killed.
These shy nocturnal creatures are to be stolen from their homes and subjected to a horrifying journey and an even more horrifying end. Footage taken when the abattoir was last in operation show possums who were not stunned properly trying to escape, having their throats cut while still struggling, and pouch young being swung against the work-bench to kill them. You can view the footage on YouTube, a link is on our website.
Add your voice to ours and say NO, you don’t want our wildlife treated this way!!
There is no need for any kind of commercial possum industry.
Go to: www.aact.org.au/possum.htm for all the details and some suggested points for you to include, or call us on 0408 970 359
Join our Facebook group on this topic and invite all your friends to join. Lets make this the fastest growing Facebook page in Aussie!
Dear AACTivists
DUCK RESCUERS NEEDED TO PROTECT NATIVE WATERBIRDS
In recent years there have been around 35,000 ducks shot each year during the three month open season in Tasmania. The opening of the 2010 duck shooting season is fast approaching and rescuers are needed to help protect and preserve defenseless native ducks. Every person that joins the rescue team could potentially save tens of lives in the slaughter that is sanctioned by our State Government.
We are currently building a team to walk proudly in solidarity for ducks at the season opening on March 6th at Moulting Lagoon (near Coles Bay). Seasoned rescuers and new recruits alike are all welcome. There are a range of duties to be filled so even if you don't want to get your feet wet, we need you.
To register yourself, or find out more, call 0408 970 359 or email nativeducks@yahoo.com.au More information is available via our website: www.aact.org.au/ducks.htm
And take a few moments to write to the party leaders, and the Minister and ask them to bring an end to this barbaric practice.
Chris Simcox
Native Waterbird Campaign Coordinator
Against Animal Cruelty Tasmania
