Violence against animals
The story about a zookeeper who punched a kangaroo in the Central West of NSW went viral last week.
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People are asking why a person so experienced with animals would use violence against one, particularly a member of a native species.
Others are worried about the dog who was being held by the roo just before the punch. The man's employer, Taronga Zoo, said it "strongly opposes the striking of animals and does not support the practice of using dogs to hunt, as this can result in negative welfare for both species", but has not fired the perpetrator.
One thing is being missed in the row over who was in danger and who was threatening whom. The dogs were only confronting the kangaroo because a bunch of men wanted to kill a pig. The lesson is clear: if you are genuinely concerned about the welfare of your dog, don't put him or her in danger among wild animals and guns. And if, like the vast majority of Australians, you are opposed to cruelty to animals, leave the rifles and dogs at home and take a camera instead.
Ashley Fruno
PETA Australia Associate Director
Be wary of water danger
I write to ask all readers involved in boating and watercraft activity to take great care this summer on our beautiful rivers, lakes, harbours, bays and beaches.
The latest Royal Life Saving Society - Australia report reveals some concerning statistics.
New data reveals that over a 10-year period, 473 people drowned in boating/watercraft activity, only 8 per cent were wearing a lifejacket.
Alcohol was involved in 26 per cent of the cases, 59 per cent of those were over the legal limit.
People should be reminded to avoid alcohol when around water. Alcohol impairs judgment and a person’s ability to swim to safety. It is critical people wear a lifejacket and it is extraordinary how many people who drown weren’t wearing lifejackets.
Our latest report also reveals 31 per cent of the cases involved drugs. You should never take a boat, canoe or kayak out under the influence of drugs.
Never go boating, kayaking, or canoeing alone, always check the conditions before heading out onto the water and learn how to save a life. This new study suggests boating and watercraft drowning deaths are on the rise. We ask readers to take great care so they can have a happy and safe summer.
Justin Scarr
Royal Life Saving Society Australia chief
Jihad on the economy
MOVE over Scott Morrison and let somebody else who really knows how to get us back into surplus take over the treasury reins.
I’m talking about Islamic State (IS) recruiter Hamdi Alqudsi, who is currently serving a six-year jail sentence for terrorist offences.
Despite his only income being the disability support pension and supporting two wives, he somehow managed to retain the services of one of the country’s most high profile lawyers, Clive Evatt, to represent his “second wife” Moutia.
She is suing the NSW and federal police, claiming she was assaulted during a counter-terrorism raid on her home in September 2014.
No doubt Mr Evatt’s fees would be around $6000-plus per day.
For a bloke whose only income is the disability pension and who can do all this from his prison cell, the man must be a financial genius.
The obvious solution to our burgeoning deficit is to get this man out of prison as quickly as possible and relocate him to Canberra.
Our country desperately needs men of his quality.