The ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) has dismissed a challenge by animal rights group Animal Liberation against the ACT Government's planned kangaroo cull, allowing the cull to proceed on eight nature reserves.
The cull, which targets up to 1,600 eastern grey kangaroos, is intended to protect grasslands from overgrazing. Animal Liberation argued there was no scientific evidence to support the cull, but ACAT found the group's application contained factual inaccuracies and unqualified witnesses.
ACT Parks and Conservation director Daniel Iglesias welcomed the decision, stating that ACAT confirmed the scientific basis for managing kangaroo numbers. He noted that the exact number of kangaroos to be culled may be reduced due to the shortened season, which is limited to winter months.
Animal Liberation spokesperson Carolyn Drew acknowledged the decision but said the group achieved small wins by delaying the cull. She denied the challenge was merely a stalling tactic, arguing it was important to bring the issue to public attention.
The cull, now in its sixth year, will see eight nature reserves closed from Monday June 16 to Thursday July 31. Trespassers face fines of up to $7,000.
