birding-aus

re: killing of rare parrots [SEC=PERSONAL]

To: <>
Subject: re: killing of rare parrots [SEC=PERSONAL]
From: "Smith, Alastair" <>
Date: Wed, 30 May 2007 13:55:56 +1000
Classification : SEC=PERSONAL

Here is an update from my father concerning the court case about the regent 
parrots shootings...

In the magistrates' court in Robinvale, Victoria, two men were charged on 22nd 
May 2007 with killing 41 Regent Parrots. They were professional shooters 
employed by two almond growing companies and were required to shoot birds which 
were eating the crop.

The corpses of 41 parrots were found in rabbit holes, but many foxes and 
raptors were known to be feeding on the carcases of birds shot, so the actual 
number of birds destroyed is likely to be much greater.

The men pleaded guilty and even acknowledged that they had heard on the ABC 
that the birds were protected.

They were convicted and fined $750 each on the undertaking that they would give 
evidence against their employers, Select Harvest P/L and Kyndalyn P/L who are 
to appear in the same court on 5th June 2007 The defendants got off lightly. 
The maximum penalties under the Wildlife Act for killing wildlife are high. 240 
penalty units or 2 years gaol plus 20 penalty units for each head of endangered 
wildlife killed for endangered wildlife, and 50 penalty units or 6 months gaol 
plus 5 penalty units for each head of protected wildlife killed. (Macdonald v 
Borg & McManus)

Cheers
Alastair 


killing of rare parrots
from [Alastair Smith] [Permanent Link][Original] 

To:  "'birding-aus'" <>
Subject:  killing of rare parrots
From:  "Alastair Smith" <>
Date:  Thu, 24 May 2007 21:40:25 +1000 

My father is a (birdwatching) barrister who is following this case. He has been 
in touch with the court and the environmental authorities prosecuting the case, 
and has promised to provide me with more comprehensive details tomorrow. 

In the meantime he said that the two men were told to shoot birds eating the 
almond crop and were aware the regent parrot was an endangered species after 
hearing about the birds on ABC radio. They were sorry for what they had done. 
Perhaps the reason for the paltry fines was that they have agreed to testify 
against the two multinational companies involved. Apparently the companies 
asked for an adjournment believing a new judge would hear the case against them 
but the original judge disallowed this motion and will hear the case in the 
near term.

Let's hope for a significant fine and restitution against these companies!
Cheers
Alastair 



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