A recent drought has left a third of Queensland’s environment seriously damage, with farmers left declaring that they’re struggling to feed their cattle due to the inadequate feed on their own land. With feed being difficult to source in nearby grazing sites, farmers are at a loss as to how to sustain their business. A possible solution currently being supported by Northern Queensland graziers is to allow 25,000 of these animals to graze in the national parks of Queensland. The proposal has so far been rejected by the Minister Tony Burke, instead suggesting that feed from elsewhere could be shipped into Northern Queensland, with the cost being subsidised by the Government.
Animal protection advocates and the farmers have agreed that the final decision needs to be that which most benefits the livestock – neither group has any problem in letting the animals graze on the national park ground. However, the environmental lobby is arguing the point that this anti-grazing campaign should be made a priority, with previous similar campaigns having been carried out. Flora, unlike fauna, doesn’t suffer from such situations, as they have no moral status whereas animals do. It is for this reason that most animal advocates are putting the interests of the cattle first over the land. Additionally, it can be argued that as humans, we’ve brought these animals into the world, so we have a duty to protect them to the best of our ability.
Environmentalist’s favour the holistic approach which values the impact on the ecosystem as a whole. In other words, each individual plays a part in the environment, so we have a responsibility to cater to each creature, whether human or not. While having cattle graze on public land isn’t ideal, starving the cattle due to this environmental crisis isn’t humane either – it could perhaps be the answer for an immediate solution, while a long-term answer is sought.
Comments are closed.