The "drop and rot" policy in WA will soon be replaced by one that allows culled kangaroos to be used and not wasted.

Private Use Roo Tags Imminent In WA


In a rare display of commonsense, the Western Australian government should soon allow the off-property transport of kangaroo carcases harvested under damage mitigation permits, to allow their personal use by those that shot them. It is a move that will benefit both landowners and those recreational hunters that may be named as agents.

A press release from the office of Shooters and Fishers Party representative and Western Australian parliamentarian, the Hon. Rick Mazza MLC, has welcomed the imminent introduction of a kangaroo tagging system that allows for the non-commercial use of kangaroos destroyed under damage mitigation permits. According to the press release, damage licences can currently only be issued to the owner or occupier of the land for the purpose of destroying fauna that is causing damage on that land. No part of the carcase can be removed from that property under what is commonly known as the “drop and rot” policy, even between farms, unless by a person holding a commercial Kangaroo Harvesters Licence.

“This means that when property owners or their nominees cull or harvest kangaroos on a property, they are not permitted to take any part of that animal off that property for their own consumption or as pet food at home,” says Mr Mazza.

“Game meat is gaining in popularity and kangaroo is recognised and accepted as a healthy option to other sources of red meat. But, unless commercially purchased, it can only be consumed on the property on which it was taken, “ the Shooters and Fishers Party MLC said.

Following discussions with Mr Mazza, the Western Australian Department of Parks and Wildlife has agreed to a scheme of non-commercial transport tags that can be issued to a property owner and used by those persons named on a damage licence as being authorised to assist in the taking of kangaroos.

The person authorised under the licence can then transport the carcase from the property where it was taken to another location for their personal use, rather than see the animal wasted.

“This decision is a massive win for farmers and recreational shooters. It is also a victory for common sense.

“Under the new policy and tagging system, property owners, farmers or their nominees (including recreational hunters)will be able to lawfully harvest and transport kangaroo for non-commercial purposes,” Mr Mazza said.

The revised policy is expected to be implemented within the next three or four weeks. The Department of Parks and Wildlife has ordered a special run of non-commercial tags.

Editor’s note: The above article refers to the current regulations in Western Australia. Regulations in other states differ.

 

 

 


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