Can’t help but question our role
THE distressing sight of some 470 pilot whales beaching themselves on the West Coast, followed by footage of the carcass disposal of these majestic mammals, raises the question, why?
Pilot whales use magnetic fields for navigation and when their environment is acoustically polluted with, say, underwater drilling or seismic testing by ships surveying in Bass Strait for oil and gas, then surely this must have an impact?
While the experts appear to agree that there are no conclusive reasons and it will remain a mystery, I cannot help but question the role humankind may have played in this largest known mass stranding. Brendan Blomeley Clarence alderman
Hunter help cull deer
ON reading “Farmers abandoned in deer debate,” one would have to question some points (Talking Point, September 22). Fallow deer were introduced in the 1830s, more than 180 years ago, and have never spread disease. Many properties have very successful game management plans that allow recreational hunters to control fallow deer, and native animal numbers, with crop protection permits and open seasons.
Antlerless deer can be taken eight months of the year, the season only suspended during the fawning period, however culling tags are available for males each year, as well as an open season in March/April. The state government has recognised fallow deer as game animal for hunting, however if numbers are too high on a property, crop protection permits would be available to the farmer. Has Mr Simon Cameron a game management program where recreational hunters could assist with reducing deer numbers. And I cannot see the prospect of forced access to private land for hunting.
Graeme Pelham Rosetta
Sad parallel
STRANGE, isn’t it. We are largely a compassionate society and are making great efforts to save the lives of pilot whales tragically beached in Macquarie Harbour, and for those of them beyond saving and suffering while slowly dying, their lives are being mercifully ended. While we try to give the same care to our fellow human beings when they are dying and suffering greatly with pain that cannot be relieved we forbid them to receive a merciful end however hard they plead for it. Passing the dying with dignity legislation is essential to correct this situation.
John Sale Battery Point
Asylum-seeker rights
SENATOR Abetz is to be commended for his support of minorities and human rights in China (“Boycott Beijing Olympics,” Talking Point, September 24), but it does raise the question of human rights of asylum seekers in detention in Australia and on Nauru and Manus Island. Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states everyone has the right to seek asylum if they live in fear of persecution. While Senator Abetz rightly condemns China’s abuse of human rights, he needs to explain why Australia is also defying international human rights law. Peter D. Jones
Lenah Valley
Free-range question
VICTORIA’S worst case of avian influenza raises the question of the efficacy of free-range poultry farms. The rise of disease in native birds must also be noted. Since the environmental movement promoted free range poultry farms it is beholden of them to come up with solutions. They remain typically mute on the topic. Hank Dikkenberg
Glenorchy
Debate pain relief
PROSSER MLC Jane Howlett is right to question the timing of debating the Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill. Debates now ought to be about how to proceed with a second wave of the coronavirus killing people, instead of debating how people could end their life quickly and the best way. The amount of safeguards in this Bill is great and more could be added. But who would want to go through all this red tape to die early with assistance. Why not debate helping people with thoughts of suicide and how to relieve pain better. To debate cat management will help save animals and give pet owners guidelines. Who decides priorities on debating Bills?
H. Stevenson
Lauderdale