When fired, shotguns scatter some 200 small pellets. At least one in four birds shot is wounded. They suffer fractured or broken legs or legs and feet shot off entirely, shattered and smashed bills, splintered wings, pellets through eyes and internal injuries from shot lodged in organs, as well as damage to muscles and tendons. Their suffering is unconscionable.
All this brutality takes place just for the enjoyment of a few thousand Victorian shooters. When 400,000 birds are shot at least 100,000 will be wounded.
The government looks after the shooters and it is left to concerned volunteer members of the public to look after Australia’s native waterbirds.