The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has called on the Victorian Government to outlaw recreational duck hunting.
The proposed ban would bring the state into line with ACT, NSW, Queensland, and Western Australia. Currently Victoria has an ‘open season’ where some species of duck and other waterfowl are permitted to be shot for sport.
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has updated its policy on duck hunting which opposes the use of shotguns as they cause unnecessary pain and suffering to the animals.
Dr Bronwyn Orr, President of the AVA, said the practice is inhumane and results in many animals being critically injured and left to die.
“Hunting ducks with shotguns often results in non-fatal injuries, where the birds are hit with the outer cluster of pellets, but not retrieved.
“This results in an ethical animal-welfare problem, as the bird may live for a number of weeks with a crippling injury, receiving no veterinary treatment.”
A recent study in Victoria, found that up to 33 per cent of hunted birds were wounded in shooting but not retrieved, resulting in crippling injuries such as wing, bill, and leg fractures.
“We are calling on the Government to take swift action and follow the suite of other states and territories that have banned duck hunting altogether,” said Orr.
To stay up to date on the latest industry headlines, sign up to the Pet Industry News e-newsletter.