Private use roo tags imminent in WA

Press release from the Hon Rick Mazza MLC, Member for the Agricultural Region, Parliament of Western Australia, Shooters and Fishers Party

Rick Mazza MLC is pleased with the common sense approach by the Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW), after successfully negotiating with them for the introduction of a roo tagging system to allow the off-property transport of kangaroo carcasses for private use.

Under the current Regulations, damage licences can only be issued to the owner or occupier of land for the purpose of destroying fauna that is causing damage on that land. No part of the carcass 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 the nominees cull or harvest a kangaroo on a property, they are ot permitted to take any part of that animal off that property for their own consumption or as pet food at home.

“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 MLC said.

Following discussions with Mr Mazza, the DPaW has agreed to a scheme of non-commerical transports tags that can be issued to a property owner or occupier 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 carcass 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 will be able to lawfully harvest and transport kangaroo for non-commerical purposes,” Mr Mazza said.

The revised policy is expected to be implemented within the next three or four weeks. DPaW has ordered a special run of ‘non-commerical’ tags. The policy is being amended and when approved will be distributed to licensing staff to ensure they are aware of the changes.

 

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