Inquiry into Victoria’s recreational native bird hunting arrangements

RSPCA Victoria has given evidence at a public hearing for the Select Committee Inquiry into Victoria’s recreational native bird hunting arrangements following its submission in May 2023.

Speaking at the hearing, RSPCA Victoria CEO Dr Liz Walker said the recreational hunting of native birds should be banned because of the inherent and inevitable pain and suffering caused¹.

“We estimated approximately 182,000 birds would be killed during the 35-day season this year, and this included protected birds and non-game species²,” Dr. Liz Walker said.

“Based on wounding rates this means up to 34,000 additional birds would not have been killed outright.

The injury, pain, suffering, distress, and death to the animals involved is completely unacceptable³.”

RSPCA Victoria was deeply disappointed in the Victorian Government’s decision to proceed with the 2023 seasons despite insurmountable animal welfare concerns. Survey data shows the majority of Victorians also oppose native bird hunting and would support a ban.

Victoria continues to lag behind New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, and the Australian Capital Territory, which have all banned recreational native bird hunting.

RSPCA Victoria remains hopeful the inquiry into Victoria’s recreational native bird hunting arrangements will recommend it be banned.

¹ https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/rspca-policy-c10-hunting-of-animals-for-sport/

² https://www.wildlifevictoria.org.au/images/Publications/Media_Releases/Wildlife_Victoria_shares_findings_from_Day_1_of_2023_duck_hunting_season.pdf

³ https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/how-many-ducks-and-quail-are-wounded-due-to-recreational-hunting/