Letter: Kangaroo meat
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: In case your readers gain a false impression about the killing of kangaroos and the processing of their meat from your report "Ostrich, kangaroo and other exotic meats off the menu" (9 October) it is important to point out that the sale of kangaroo meat is a by-product of Australia's necessary annual cull.
Because of the dramatic increase in the kangaroo population we need to control their numbers to protect the fragile environment and the many other native species it sustains.
Last year 3.1 million kangaroos were culled from a population of more than 50 million of the four main species. In addition to protecting the environment, the cull saves millions of kangaroos from dying from thirst and starvation during Australia's frequent droughts.
The government cull is carried out by professional shooters who are licensed and must comply with strict laws. The processing of the meat is subject to controls which are as rigorous and strictly policed as any of the more traditional meat industries in Australia.
NEIL BLEWETT
High Commissioner
Australian High Commission
London WC2
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments