Dutch Government to push for EU ban on kangaroo products

THE DUTCH GOVERNMENT is set to push for a European ban on the import of kangaroo products, after adopting a proposal by the Party for the Animals. As can be seen from the website link (above), the cruelty and the unsanitary conditions of this bushmeat trade are encouraging Europeans to stop  consuming kangaroo body parts.

NSW Upper House MP for the Animal Justice Party, Mark Pearson, who has been fighting for kangaroo protection for 30 years, has welcomed the news.

“For years, the Dutch Party for the Animals has been working with the Animal Justice Party here in Australia to end the commercial slaughter of kangaroos, and now we’re a step closer to realising that dream,” Pearson said.

The European Union is the largest market for kangaroo meat and skins, meaning an EU ban on kangaroo importation would have a significant impact on the kangaroo industry, which Mr Pearson says is already “struggling to remain relevant”.

“The recent kangaroo inquiry in NSW has shown us that killing kangaroos cannot be done humanely,” he said.

“Ultimately it’s the cruelty inherent to the industry, like the legal bludgeoning of joeys to death, that is making consumers and entire countries turn their back on kangaroo products.”

Almost 50,000 people have signed a petition urging EU representatives to enact a ban and protect kangaroos from slaughter. [The petition has remained open.]

Pearson says the kangaroo protection movement is staying strong in Australia.

“With the word getting out about the joey killing, it’s only a matter of time before the industry falls in on itself,” he said.

IMAGERY: AWPC resources