In early September 2024, the Victorian Government released the statement of reasons relating to the remade Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2024, following a consultation process with the public and key stakeholders. These regulations govern how hunters can, and cannot, act.
RSPCA Victoria made a formal submission to the consultation, advocating for key changes that would mitigate some of the adverse welfare impacts that hunting has on hunted animals. The RSPCA is strongly opposed to the hunting of animals for sport due to the inherent and inevitable pain and suffering caused, however believe it is imperative to advocate for better welfare while it continues.
Our submission made 16 recommendations, covering key items like removing threatened species from the game list, and changes to reduce wounding by banning bowhunting, regulating a maximum shooting distance, and requiring proficiency testing for all hunters (you can read our submission here).
Unfortunately, the regulations that will now come into effect next week have not been amended to include these important measures and have been weakened to now allow toxic (lead) shot for deer hunting. Lead shot is an environmental and human health hazard, and can cause lead poisoning in wildlife.
RSPCA Victoria is saddened to see the Australasian Shoveler has been retained on the game list, irrespective of their listing as a threatened species under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. While the shoveler cannot be hunted while a permanent closed season is in place, retaining the species on the game list means that in the future the species could be hunted once again.
RSPCA Victoria is also concerned that despite the Victorian Government itself committing to making education and training mandatory for hunters from 2025 following the parliamentary Inquiry into Victoria’s recreational native bird hunting arrangements, this provision has not been included in the proposed regulations which means there is no legislative requirement for this important measure to occur.
While bowhunting will not be banned, the government has conceded that they may consider issues related to the use of bows for hunting at a later date. We will ensure we leverage this opportunity to continue to push for a ban.
While this was not our preferred outcome, we would like to say a big thank you to all our supporters who attended our submission workshop and who made submissions to the review themselves.
What happens now?
The Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2024 will not be reviewed for another 10 years, making this a missed opportunity to address some of the most pressing animal welfare issues that stem from current hunting practices.
However, our work will not stop here.
RSPCA Victoria will continue to advocate for these key changes and will call on the government to resume the stalled review of the Wildlife Act 1975 which is now nearly 50 years old and no longer adequately protects Victoria’s wild animals.
Wildlife deserve laws and regulations that prioritise their welfare and reflect up-to-date science.
