Hunting has been, and always will be, a sore subject between a variety of different social and ethical groups. Be it fox hunting, animal trapping, or bird shooting. The debate isn't always about whether the hunting should be done, as in some cases, such as natives hunting for food for their families and tribes, or hunting for food in controlled environments, where it is commonly accepted, or fox hunting, wolf trapping, where it is strongly protested. The main issue, resulting in most hunting debates, surrounds the ethical side of the practise, and more importantly, the reasons behind the hunt, and the way in which they are carried out, focusing primarily on the welfare of the animals being hunted. It is uncommon where I am presented a story, or situation, where I haven't been able to at least see where the opposition is coming from, but in the case of the shooting of Black Swans in New Zealand, like the locals, I have been shocked and appalled that such inhumane slaughter is in the public eye in such a modernized country.
To enlighten you on the circumstances surrounding the events that occur, primarily in the Tauranga Estuary, but not localised (it appears that the 'custom' is being ritualised and has spread through-out various other regions of the Island.) Migrating Black Swans, who often stop off on their travels in the waters surrounding New Zealand, are herded inland towards the estuary, through a team of, what could only be described as 'mechanical sheepdog' or for better your understanding men on jet skis. Their harassment of the birds sends them in to a panic, which drives them flocking towards the shore, where lines of men armed with shotguns await their arrival, and pick them off one by one.
The hunters involved claim that there are numerous reasons for the killings, some say they gain meat for sale and public consumption, others claim that the authorities encourage it as the birds are a pest to the local eco-systems. Bay of plenty's official statement is that the Swans have become and epidemic, with numbers raising from 4000 to 5000 in the past eight years, thus impacting greatly on the local seagrass beds.
Other residents tell different stories, local businesses are shocked that the hunt is allowed, one bed and breakfast owner even had the misfortune of having an empty house after the shoot as all his customers were so disgusted by the atrocity they all left in protest. Many locals also feel, if the birds are posing a problem there should be a number of different solutions to the problem than the public massacre of hundreds of birds.
With no public warnings of the events, and with the authorities backing, and most certainly not making the shoots illegal, the local residents are beginning to look else where for support in spreading the word of such devastation of natural beauty. If you are interested in getting involved, there are a couple of petitions set up to bring a bigger voice to the New Zealand council officials, you can sign these and spread word of them by visiting their respective pages on the care2 website HERE and HERE
TO WATCH THE ONE NEWS REPORT
(does contain disturbing images)
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