PETA Calls on Government to End Commercial Kangaroo Slaughter
Kangaroos are among Australia’s most iconic animals, yet millions are killed every year for their flesh and skins. That’s why PETA has submitted a response to the proposed Wildlife Trade Management Plan (WTMP) for managing and commercially exporting kangaroos from New South Wales for 2027–2031. We’re urging the government to reject policies that facilitate the commercial killing of kangaroos and instead focus on protecting these intelligent, sensitive animals.
The draft plan repeatedly refers to the “sustainable harvest” of kangaroos, but living, feeling animals should not be treated as resources to be exploited. Kangaroos are individuals with their own personalities and interests. Reducing them to population statistics obscures the suffering experienced by every animal who is shot and every joey who is left orphaned or killed by the industry.
A Welfare System That Fails Kangaroos
Kangaroos are typically shot at night in remote locations, making meaningful oversight extremely difficult. Monitoring often relies heavily on self-reporting, creating obvious concerns about transparency and accountability.
Our submission highlighted the widespread risk of animals being wounded rather than killed instantly, as well as the suffering endured by dependent joeys. When a mother kangaroo is killed, her young may be bludgeoned, decapitated, or left to die from starvation, dehydration, or predation. These outcomes are accepted under the industry’s existing code of practice, despite being profoundly disturbing to most Australians.
Kangaroos Need Protection, Not Exploitation
As Australia grapples with biodiversity loss and the escalating impacts of the climate catastrophe, the answer is not to continue profiting from native wildlife. Instead, governments should invest in innovative, animal-free alternatives and policies that protect ecosystems and the animals who call them home.
No one needs kangaroo flesh or skin but kangaroos. We’re urging the government to end support for the commercial kangaroo-killing industry and to recognise that these animals deserve protection, not exploitation.
Help Animals in 2026: Renew Your PETA Membership!
Donate Now
Read More
PETA Calls on Government to End Commercial Kangaroo Slaughter
Horror Attack: Russian Drone Strike Injures Animal Rescuers
