Ocean Sentry
Authorities say they have been shocked by the discovery of 10 stingrays with their tails hacked off on a pier on Brisbane”s bayside.
The RSPCA and Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries have launched a joint investigation into the incident, suspected to be a deliberate act of cruelty.
The dead stingrays were found by locals on Shorncliffe pier today.
DPI&F Minister Tim Mulherin said he would be “absolutely appalled” if it was discovered someone had severed the animals’ tails while they were still alive.
“Under the Animal Care and Protection Act cutting the tail off a live stingray would be deemed to be animal cruelty which is a serious offence with fines of up to $100,000,” he said.
“While investigations involving wildlife are under RSPCA’s jurisdiction as part of their agreement with Government, Primary Industries and Fisheries officers will continue to work closely with the RSPCA throughout the investigation.”
An RSPCA spokeswoman said the organisation’s chief inspector was looking into the matter.
While it is not illegal to catch stingrays, local Sandgate MP Vicky Darling said new bag limits would apply to sharks and rays caught in Queensland.
“From July 1, a recreational fishing bag limit of one will apply to sharks and rays,” Ms Darling said.
“Bag limits apply to fish parts as well so that if a shark fin or a stingray tail is in someone’s possession it will be considered that they are in possession of the fish.
“This bag limit will mean that people will not be able to take more than one stingray at a time,” she said.
Anyone with information about illegal fishing activities is asked to contact the government’s Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116.
(From brisbanetimes.com.au, Brisbane)
