Mps Back 1080 Poison In War On Feral Pests
The Age
Tuesday November 29, 2005
WILD dogs, rabbits, foxes and feral pigs will continue to be culled with the controversial 1080 poison if state and territory governments adopt the recommendations of a federal inquiry into pest animals.
The House of Representatives Agriculture Committee yesterday released its report calling for a national body to develop strategies to control pest animals and for increased funding for state and territory governments.The report, Taking Control: A National Approach to Pest Animals, provides 47 recommendations, including creating a fund for doggers and pest controllers to cull feral animals and easing restrictions on the commercial use of native pests, such as kangaroos and possums.The inquiry examined the impact of pest animals, noting that 11 pest animals, including foxes, feral cats, rabbits and feral pigs, cost the national economy at least $720 million a year. This would run into the billions if other pest animals and insects were taken into account.The report said that while there was a need for humane pest management, until more research was available, 1080 must remain available to landholders. It called on Tasmania to reconsider its decision to phase out 1080, and on the NSW and Victorian governments to remove bans on aerial baiting.The Victorian Farmers Federation welcomed the recommendation to allow aerial baiting. The State Government is conducting a trial of aerial baiting of wild dogs in Gippsland initially using a non-toxic bait. But animal liberation groups say aerial baiting and the use of 1080 is inhumane.
© 2005 The Age