300 Kangaroos Threatened To Be Slaughtered Due To Plans To Build Roads And Sports Facilities

Kangaroo illustration. (Wikimedia Commons/Thennicke)

JAKARTA - At least three hundred kangaroos will be slaughtered if the proposal to build roads and sports facilities in Western Australia gets the green light.

An extensive draft environmental assessment, compiled by the Canning City Council in June this year, recommends against relocating the kangaroo population that currently occupies the 67-hectare site.

The 99-page draft report said moving the 'dwelling' would be time-consuming and incurring costs, estimated at up to $1,600 per relocated animal.

Other alternatives to controlling habitat populations such as fertility control and grazing are discouraged, while use is not an option as they are considered cruel and illegal.

Meanwhile, if the kangaroo is drugged, the meat cannot be sold because of the presence of chemicals. The report concluded that shooting kangaroos would provide 'better welfare outcomes', and only cost about US$30 per animal.

The proposal comes as kangaroos continue to survive on the outskirts of Canning Vale, south of Perth, although the area's development has increased in recent years.

Australia's iconic animals are in the city's landfills and recycling facilities and the nearby bush.

Kangaroo illustration. (Wikimedia Commons/Olga1969)

Council documents have concluded that kangaroos pose a risk to public health and safety, plagued by overpopulation and disease' which could lead to repeated motor vehicle accidents if they are not moved.

If the project is approved, most of the bushland will be cleared to make way for new sports facilities and roads, with the remaining 'dwelling' to survive on only 22 hectares of bushland.

Canning City Council is aware that eradicating kangaroos will cause possible outrage in the community, with the problem management plan recommending consultation with First Nations Land Managers.

"Ensuring there are multiple engagements bode well for (Canning) City's reputation", said one of the council documents, citing the Daily Mail of Yahoo News on November 23.

The final recommendation from the draft management plan is an integrated approach, which includes kangaroo extermination and removal of food and water sources.

Please note, under biodiversity law, western gray kangaroos are protected, with the necessary approval from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) before mass culling can begin.

Canning City Council later released a statement on the matter, confirming that they are considering all options when it comes to managing the kangaroo population.