Hi David
The problem is that these are difficult ethical decisions and the effects of
our actions are extremely complex. I will say, right off of the bat that I
am against killing anything. I am a vegan for reasons of avoiding animal
cruelty and respecting life. But putting that aside as obviously I don't
expect most people to share that view, there are still huge ethical issues
involved when we decide to take the life of another animal. That animal is
paying the ultimate price for what benefit?
Here in WA at the moment is the toadbuster campaign, funded by government
which is killing large numbers of toad and it is not going to have the
slightest effect on the cane toads march to WA. So, why are we doing it?
People want to do something, I think is part of the answer. They are
concerned about the negative effects of the cane toad on the environment and
are motivated to do something. Thousands of toads are dying to help us feel
better about the situation.
As we set ourselves up as judge and jury on the lives of other animals, I am
concerned that many animals are dying needlessly. Another example is
spotted turtle doves in alice springs where people are encouraged to kill
them. For no good reason-you go a kilometre from the town and you won't see
one.
I suspect that killing Indian Mynas is going to be a waste of time in terms
of protecting diversity of our birds. The problem when we decide to kill
other animals is where do we draw the line. I am certainly against killing
feral animals in cities and towns. When it comes to feral animals in
National Parks there may be a case for killing ferals, but I don't think it
is a straightforward case and I am sure each case is complex.
This will be my last comment on this thread but of course feel free to
respond.
Gary
On 4 February 2010 07:22, David Stowe <> wrote:
> Hi Gary,
> I'm a bit confused by your email. You say that habitat destruction is the
> biggest problem but also that we should cry equally for an invasive species
> that lost a partner?
> I did indeed cry for the tree and the habitat destruction and agree that it
> is the biggest problem, but i don't agree that we should therefore let feral
> species run unchecked. Whether it is the bigger problem or not shouldn't
> mean it is ignored. Do you think we should let the Barbary Doves multiply
> until they get to the population of Spotted Doves in Sydney etc? Should we
> let feral cats and pigs run free because it would be sad to kill them and
> it's not as big a problem as habitat destruction?
> Sorry Gary but i won't be crying for the feral who has lost a partner. I'm
> too busy crying for our native species that have lost their potential to
> have families.
>
> Cheers
> David
>
> On 03/02/2010, at 10:48 PM, Gary Wright wrote:
>
> Hi David
>
> I agree it would make you want to cry in cutting down a tree unnecessarily,
> but imagine if you were the mate of an Indian Myna, that was killed that
> would make you want to cry as well. Our biggest problem for the future of
> birds is habitat destruction, not birds invading habitats we have altered.
>
> Gary
>
> On 3 February 2010 16:02, David Stowe <> wrote:
>
>> I was talking to a mate just last week about this. He is in Berowra (far
>> north Sydney) and whilst not a really an active birdwatcher he is certainly
>> a lover of birds. He has a Myna Trap from the council (nothing like $300!!)
>> and gets at least a few a day!
>> Good on him I reckon.
>> He also strongly lamented his neighbours cutting down of a beautiful
>> casuarina tree because "it might fall over". The week before he had Glossy
>> Black Cockatoos feeding in it. Makes you want to cry.
>>
>> Dave
>>
>> On 03/02/2010, at 3:20 PM, Keith Brandwood wrote:
>>
>> Here in the Hawkesbury the council is pushing the Common Myna capture and
>> kill program but the traps only cost $55 and you get them put to sleep for
>> free. Apparently its gone gangbuster in the ACT.
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