Community & Business
16 April, 2021
Knuth issues blunt warning to State Government
MEMBER for Hill Shane Knuth is warning the state government there would be serious consequences if there was blanket legislation put in place on the control of recreational feral pig hunting, under the pretence of the recently announced review of the Queensland’s Animal Care and Protection Act 2001.
MEMBER for Hill Shane Knuth is warning the state government there would be serious consequences if there was blanket legislation put in place on the control of recreational feral pig hunting, under the pretence of the recently announced review of the Queensland’s Animal Care and Protection Act 2001.
Mr Knuth expressed deep concerns about the over-reach of government into the private domain and fears the review is due to the recent case of where a Toowoomba woman was fined almost $5000 and charged with one count of unlawfully allowing an animal to injure another animal, after her two dogs bit and held a feral pig.
“The RSPCA has long campaigned against recreational pig dog hunting and I have grave concerns they are using this review as a mask to again push this agenda,” Mr Knuth said.
"If the state government decides to use this review to crack down on recreational pig hunting in regional Queensland, they will have a revolt on their hands and entire regional communities will be in uproar.
“It amazes me that the RSPCA would rather protect feral pigs than our native wildlife including emus, cassowaries and turtles.
“Not only do they pose a threat to our native animals, but they spread disease and weeds, devastate crops, and cause massive soil degradation to our creeks and river systems.
“Recreational pig hunters are the last line of defence against an explosion in feral pig numbers, which would see widespread destruction of our farming industry and native flora and fauna.
“The state government should thank recreational pig hunters for controlling feral pigs in their own time and expense, rather than even considering changing the Act to penalise this valuable community service.”
Mr Knuth said the Queensland Government’s own website stated there were up to 24 million feral pigs in Australia and that they were among Queensland’s most widespread and damaging pest.
As part of the review 1080 baiting, transporting leashed dogs in the back of utes and making it law for vets to report animal welfare concerns will be assessed.
Community consultation for the review of the Animal Car and Protection Act 2001 is currently under way until midnight Friday, May 21.
“I urge all rural and regional Queenslanders to voice their concerns about any proposed changes to the Act which may restrict recreational pig dog hunting for the control of feral pests,” Mr Knuth said.
Last week Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner called for Queenslanders to submit their views in response to the Palaszczuk Government’s major animal welfare law review.
The Minister said, in response to evolved “community expectations (on) animal welfare”,
Labor wanted feedback on:
Mandatory reporting by veterinary professionals of animal welfare concerns
Prohibited events, regulated surgical procedures and offence exemptions
The use of baits and traps
Restraining dogs in open utility vehicles and trucks
The use of animals in science
Inspector powers and arrangements for externally appointed inspectors
The management of animals seized during animal welfare investigations
Penalties for animal cruelty.
Queenslanders can submit their views up to Friday, May 21, 2021, and should visit biosecurity.qld.gov.au and search for ‘ACPA review’ to complete the survey or submit a written response.
