Concern for kangaroos around Australian election time

Kangaroos, victims of massive killings

Australia has an ambivalent relationship with its favourite animal, the kangaroo. This national emblem has been associated for centuries as a "nuisance". The Australian government even offers bonuses to get rid of those they associate as a "scourge". The massacres are perpetuated in the wild, preferably at night, during the most intense period of activity for the kangaroos. The little ones, when they are not killed with their mothers in the pouch, end up dying of thirst or hunger. Thus, the kangaroos are extinguished in total indifference.

Even more worrying, if it is the case, is the mass extermination in view of protecting livestock herds or land, in addition to the purely economic argument for hunters. Kangaroo meat is used in food boxes for our pets, often without mentioning it, but is also sold in some restaurants and supermarkets for human consumption. France is one of the main importers of these meat products. This also raises, beyond the ordeal experienced by kangaroos, real questions about health risks. The meat hunted in the desert is then transported for hours without sufficient control or hygiene precautions. The skins, on the other hand, are sold to end up in clothing and sporting goods.

That's what Kate and Mick McIntyre's shocking documentary KANGAROO A Love-Hate Story denounces, revealing the hidden side of this sordid industry that One Voice organized the premiere in France.

First election results: a defeat for kangaroos

The hope that the situation will change has diminished with the outcome of the Australian parliamentary elections of the 23^rd March. The Liberal coalition in the state of New South Wales (south-east Australia) won this vote. It has not taken an official stand against these massacres. Let us hope that legislatures across the country will benefit more from the environment and kangaroos in May, when all Australian states will have voted to establish, in addition to members of their Senate, a new government.

Act now!

We call on the European Union to react quickly to preserve these iconic animals in danger and extremely vulnerable. Join with us and write (letter template downloadable) to the European Parliament:

For the attention of Mr Ottavio Marzocchi Policy Department C
Citizens' Rights and Constitutional Affairs
European Parliament
B-1047 Brussels
BELGIUM

poldep-citizens@europarl.europa.eu

or to your candidate in the European elections to ban the import of meat, skin and kangaroo fur.