A report filed by FoodMag.com (Food Magazine), pressures on the Australian industry of kangaroo meat are heating up.
The report reveals that Australia’s kangaroo industry is the world’s largest consumptive mammalian wildlife industry. It is believed an estimated three million kangaroos are used from the rangelands for pet meat, meat for human consumption, and pet hides.
If the industry did falter anytime soon, experts report that many landowners may take matters into their own hands by disposing of kangaroos non-commercially. The RSPCA finds that there is more cruelty in the non-commercial killing of the kangaroos than by commercial means.
Proponents of the continuance of kangaroo meat processing believe the industry is being inaccurately portrayed, with kangaroos being viewed as pests without justification. In addition, the decreased accuracy of shooting by farm personnel raises concerns.
It is reported that Russia will not lift its ban on Australian kangaroo meat. The country once accounted for 70 percent of experts from the commercial kangaroo industry. The ban occurred in August of 2009 when hygiene concerns arose, including high levels of E. coli and salmonella being reported. Although the Australian government has investigated and funded studies, Russia will not lift the ban.
The hide of kangaroos is also used as a leather additive for soccer shoes and other products of high value. Adidas has banned kangaroo leather due to the concerns of young kangaroos that are slaughtered or abandoned as a resulting of commercial elimination.
Economically, Food Magazine reports that kangaroos cost pastoralists about $44 million per year, and the cost to graziers at about $15.5 million. Crop farmers are complaining and citing escalating fencing and crop damage to their properties as a result of kangaroos.
For more information and to read the entire report, visit http://www.foodmag.com.au.
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