The AJP Submission to the consultation "Proposed Wildlife Trade Management Plan" is now available here.

The Animal Justice Party (AJP) has carefully reviewed the Proposed Wildlife Trade Management Plan: Victorian Kangaroo Harvest Management Plan 2024-2028. As advocates for animal welfare and ecological sustainability, the AJP expresses deep concern over the plan's implications for kangaroo populations and their habitats. This submission underscores our commitment to defending the rights of wildlife and promoting humane, science-based management practices.

In our detailed analysis, we address the plan's shortcomings, emphasizing the need for more rigorous population monitoring, transparency in decision-making, and the inclusion of animal welfare as a key consideration. Our perspective is grounded in the principle that the conservation and ethical treatment of wildlife is paramount. The AJP advocates for a more compassionate approach to wildlife management, one that respects the intrinsic value of kangaroos and their role in Australia's unique ecosystems.

This submission is a call for urgent reevaluation of the proposed plan. We urge policymakers to consider alternative methods that prioritize animal welfare and ecological balance, ensuring that Australia's iconic kangaroo populations are protected for future generations.

The Animal Justice Party contributed a 13-page submission to this consultation and made 11 recommendations. 

Summary of Recommendations:

1. Develop a reliable method of accurately gauging kangaroo abundance. Methodology for counting kangaroo populations must be independently assessed and agreed upon by all stakeholders. It must also stand up to robust scrutiny by the scientific community.
2. Conduct long term studies regarding the impacts on kangaroo social structure from disrupting kangaroo families and communities by shooting them.
3. Conduct long term studies regarding the impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems from disrupting kangaroo families and communities by shooting them. 
4. Develop a more effective method of monitoring and ensuring regulation or immediately discontinue the commercial kangaroo trade. 
5. Initiate a requirement to count and include numbers of joeys killed in kangaroo kill counts. 
6. Develop an effective, practical licencing system that incorporates the following:
   • Regular, unannounced regulatory checks must be conducted. 
   • These must occur randomly, across the state and at the times of prime shooting e.g. night time.
   •  Licensing requirements must include evidence of training.
   • Reporting requirements must include checks and balances to verify accuracy.
   • The pass rate for these checks must be 100% to maintain a licence.
7. Acknowledge and legally recognise animal sentience  in all decision making and in the creation of all relevant legislation, plans, Codes of Practice and other guidance documentation. 
8. Incentivise requirements to search for injured and orphaned kangaroos and joeys. Failure to do so must result in significant financially punitive damages as well as immediate cancellation of a commercial shooting licence. 
9. Encourage authorities to  actively seek common cruelty offences. 
10. Consider the views of all First Nations people as a guide to decision-making and development, to ensure that cultural sensitivity is maintained. 
11. Implement the new exclusion zones for commercial kangaroo shooting immediately.

You can download and read our full submission below.