Australia’s kangaroo industry bounces back from latest negative campaign
The kangaroo industry of Australia appears to be winning the current PR battle against organised campaigns calling for an end to the use of kangaroos as part of the meat industry.
British vegan pressure group Viva! organised a demonstration in London against the kangaroo industry on November 22, claiming that the population of kangaroos in Australia (an estimated 20-25 million) faces extinction because of the meat and hide industry. However, the event failed to generate public support while another demonstration in Australia widely advertised by its organisers only managed to attract six people.
The kangaroo industry in Australia culls and processes some three million animals a year, depending on government limits set. It is common for slaughter numbers to fall well short of the allowable cull. In 1999 commercial quotas for kangaroo slaughter were set at 5.6 million; however, only 2.6 million were culled. The industry generates income of over A$200 million ($105 million) and employs over 4,000 people.
Data from Environment Australia has shown that over a 26-year period the kangaroo population has been stable or rising at around 20-25 million. Support for the industry is strong in Australia, with a recent internet poll showing over 75% of Australians agree that kangaroos should be used for meat with the skins going into the leather industry.
John Kelly, development manager of the Kangaroo Industries Association of Australia (KIAA) says: "We are really a 'conservation industry'. Kangaroo numbers must be managed to prevent overgrazing in the rangelands and ensure environmental sustainability. Most people in the kangaroo industry are quite proud of their role in helping to protect the environment."
Speaking about Viva!’s campaign, Mr Kelly admitted that it was difficult to counter such wild and inaccurate claims from long-distance, but added that the industry will continue to present the facts as they are.
