Kangaroos Too Cute to Kill, Some Australians Say

Kangaroos are a novelty to us non-Aussies, but for residents of Australia, they’re a common sight. Maybe even a little too common, according to some; there are so many kangaroos in some parts of the capital city of Canberra, officials want to start shooting them. But not all Australians have hardened their hearts to these fuzzy, hopping mammals – some are protesting the proposed cull, saying the animals are just too cute to kill.

From Sky News:

More than 80% of those polled in a government survey thought the wild kangaroos should stay. Authorities have tried giving them vasectomies and oral contraceptives, but to no avail. They say trucking them off to new and distant pastures will cost too much.

The debate comes as it was revealed 17% of drivers in the district had admitted colliding with a kangaroo at least once.

Recent stories of an unwelcome pouched visitor bounding through a closed bedroom window onto a family in bed has raised calls for a urban cull.

Barry Stuart, who runs a kangaroo abattoir 220 miles north of Canberra, shoots more than 25 on most nights with a licence from the government.

“They’re a beautiful bloody animal,” said Stuart, 60.

“You don’t like to destroy them, but when the time comes, you’ve got to do it.”

Australians have even been urged to start eating kangaroos, a national icon, on an industrial scale as an alternative to livestock since there are so many of them. This would cut back on the number of factory farms in the country, which would curb greenhouse gases. And, if Australians can’t bear to eat an animal they feel sentimental about, the rest of the world will do it for them – Russians reportedly eat more kangaroo than Australians and it’s a popular dish throughout Europe.

Whatever your opinions about eating kangaroo meat, it could be a better option than just shooting them. But these majestic animals, while sometimes a nuiscance, certainly don’t pose a threat to humans aside from the possiblity of crashing into one with your car.

Australian citizens have until May 11th to voice their comments about this issue, so if you’re an Aussie, make sure you get your say.

Link [Sky News]
Photo credit: Daily Mail

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