MEMORABLE QUOTES FROM THE DEBATE ON CANNED LION HUNTING IN THE AUSTRALIAN PARLIAMENT.

9 February, 2015
Reported in Hansard - the official record of Parliamentary debate.

Jason Wood MP:

I spoke in this place in May last year about the appalling practice of canned hunting and today I rise with the knowledge that my words back then are resonating increasingly in our community, in our parliament and around the world. People see this practice, as I do, as cruel and barbaric.

Many believe that hunting of endangered species has economic and conservation benefits for countries involved. This is simply false. A report written by Melbourne economist Roderick Campbell from Economists at Large showed that revenue from trophy hunting represented only two per cent of tourism in Africa and that this tourism revenue is only a small fraction, considering that it is $200 million whereas the economy is $408 billion. Sadly, there are only 7,000 to 8,000 lions left in captivity, 160 of these in privately owned canned hunting reserves.

Mr Entsch MP:

It is not often we quote a thrash metal band in this chamber, but Megadeth's song, Countdown to Extinction, highlights the practice perfectly:

"Endangered species, caged in fright

Shot in cold blood, no chance to fight

The stage is set, now pay the price

An ego boost, don't think twice

Technology, the battle's unfair

You pull the hammer without a care

Squeeze the trigger that makes you 'Man'

Pseudo-safari, the hunt is canned"

Ms Parke MP:

I believe that canned hunting is another example of animal cruelty in which Australia is currently complicit by allowing the importation of hunting trophies. By not acting to prevent the importation of hunting trophies, we are effectively supporting an activity which is both cruel and unethical, a form of barbarism that has a direct impact on endangered species we have committed to protect.

Mrs Prentice MP:

Frankly, I call this sport un-Australian. Australians pride themselves on living by the creed of a fair go. Where is the fair go for these animals?

Ms Hall MP:

Trophy hunters are attracted to a situation where the animal is in an enclosed space and has some level of trust of human beings. I am not a person who supports hunting, but, to my way of thinking, this is quite a brutal and inhumane--

Interjection by an honourable member: Cowardly.

Ms HALL:  - and cowardly attack on defenceless animals.

Mr Kelvin Thomson MP:

It is barbaric killing for macabre trophies.  The idea of killing animals for sport is frankly barbaric and medieval but, if people really want to do it, then at least we should have a level playing field. The lions have teeth and claws; so give the hunter an appropriately sized knife and fire up the lions a bit before the contest by not feeding them for a couple of days. That would be fairer.

Once at OP we met with Dr Tordiffe, the anaethetist who sedated George. Being a tough little fella he needed more drugs than expected. After he went down, he was whisked off to have his retinal function test done. (First Pic). His function proved good. Then it was the eye ultrasound and Samantha Lampbrecht from Energy X-Ray Trading Company (Pty)Ltd was nice enough to bring her portable unit along for us to use. Thanks Samantha! 

It was here that Dr Venter noticed that George had a very small lens in the right eye. The left seemed normal and what he would've expected. Its not really understood as to why there would be such a difference, but its unusual. 

Then while George was being intubated for surgery, the rest of us got changed into attire suitable for surgery. We all met up prior to moving into theatre to discuss the plan. 

The surgery went off without a glitch. I found it most fascinating and interesting and learnt a stack about the eye. It was truly incredible to watch such a skilled surgeon at work. Dr Venter made it look really easy, however I'm pretty sure that we were witnessing decades of dedication and passion in action. Having completely removed the cataracts and having stitched up the tiny incision made in the cornea, Dr Venters job was complete. It was now time to get George out of theatre, into the vehicle and back home. 

Dr Tordiffe reversed the one drug and then we all waited to make sure he was coming around. We wanted him slightly sedated for the trip home but obviously not too deep. Driving home was stressful as once he started to wake he wanted to get up but couldn't and therefore thrashed around abit. Poor ol Jade was on the receiving end of a now 40 something plus lion cub wanting out. She performed her lion whispering and George calmed down. The trip back seemed to take forever but was uneventful. 

Once back at the sanctuary although I initially thought of putting George back on his own, I decided that it was more prudent to put him back with Yame. Isolating him would've stressed him out more and probably caused damage to the eyes that needed to be rested. Yame was really happy to see his mate and it was probably the longest the two have been apart since they were tiny. They settled quickly and George went to have a drink of water. 

All in all it was a good day, but especially so for George whose life is about to change for the better again. Thanks to everyone for all their thoughts and prayers. We felt them today and so did George. A huge thanks as well to all those who have been involved in making this surgery possible. We are truly grateful. If I've left anyone out I'm sorry. Its been a long day. 

Same goes for typos! 
Over and out 
Kevin

We would like to thank Ange Lemon and her team at Painted Dog Conservation, Australia, for once again raising the finance to give George his sight back.