Peak vet body joins calls for duck hunting ban in Victoria

Australia's peak veterinary body has joined mounting calls for the Victorian Government to outlaw recreational duck hunting in line with other states and territories. The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has updated its policy on duck hunting which opposes the use of shotguns as they cause unnecessary pain and suffering to the animals.

Duck hunting is banned in the ACT, NSW, Queensland and Western Australia - but Victoria has an 'open season' where some species of ducks and other waterfowl are permitted to be shot for sport. A study in Victoria reported that up to 33 per cent of hunted birds were wounded in shooting, but not retrieved - resulting in crippling injuries such as wing, bill and leg fractures.

The call comes amid growing political pressure on the Andrews Government to take action on the matter.

To read the full media release, please click here.