[Ssaavic] Media Release - Deer Hunting Enforcement

[erron]

Dear All,

Below is a media release from DSE regarding Deer Hunting Enforcement and
scent trailing for cross-bred hounds


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GOVERNMENT INCREASES DEER HUNTING ENFORCEMENT

The Minister for Environment, John Thwaites, today announced the continued
phase-out of the use of Foxhounds, Harriers and cross-bred hounds for
scent-trailing Sambar Deer, and said that 10 additional enforcement
officers will be engaged to enforce deer hunting laws.

Mr Thwaites said the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE),
Parks Victoria, and Victoria Police were dramatically increasing deer
hunting enforcement activity in Victoria.

"This will include a series of unannounced blitzes throughout the deer
hunting season," Mr Thwaites said.

"The increased enforcement effort will involve a combination of visible
uniformed officers as well as covert operations to target specific
offenders or offences.

"From 24 April 2004, deer hunters will only be permitted to use pure
Beagles and pure Bloodhounds for scent-trailing Sambar Deer.

"The proposed change to the type of hound that can be used for hunting deer
has been in place since September 2001 but does not come into operation
until 24 April this year to give hunters time to adjust to the
regulations," he said.

"The change is designed to ensure that deer are hunted in a humane and
ethical manner and to improve the control hunters have over their hounds.

"While hunters can still use their hounds to hunt pest animals outside of
recognised deer habitat, they will not be permitted to hunt Sambar Deer
with illegal breeds."

Mr Thwaites said DSE and Parks Victoria staff would be checking as many
hound hunters in the field as possible to ensure hound hunters hold the
appropriate Game Licence and only legally permitted hounds are being used.

"The regulatory changes will modify the way hound hunting is conducted,
however, hound hunting will continue to be a legal recreational activity
and hunters will continue to be able to train and use approved
scent-trailing hounds to hunt Sambar Deer," he said.

Hunters found guilty of using illegal hound breeds may face a fine of up to
$12,000 and/or loss of their Game Licence.

Members of the public wishing to report illegal hunting activity or anyone
requiring information about the use of scent-trailing hounds for hunting
Sambar Deer should call the DSE Customer Service Centre on 136 186.

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