Koala Foundation CEO questions Gunnedah cruelty investigations
By Jennifer Ingall and ABC New
Investigations continue into animal cruelty claims at a Gunnedah Koala Park.
The television program which filmed RSPCA officers removing koalas from Gunnedah’s Waterways Wildlife Park has shelved the footage while emotions run hot in the local community.
The RSPCA says the park is now under investigation following the removal of a number of koalas last week. The film crew had been given advance warning of the raid and were filming at the park over a five hour period.
As yet no charges have been laid against the owners of the park.
Meantime the Gunnedah community has rallied behind Nancy and Col Small, yesterday the local Mayor announced the formation of a community support fund of which $5000 would come from Council coffers.
A face book page has been set up, and there has been widespread criticism of the actions of the RSPCA.
In a press release today a spokes woman for the RSPCA says it is “disappointing that some members of the Gunnedah community have targeted the local RSPCA Branch.
CEO of Koala foundation Debra Tulloch will visit Gunnedah next week. She wants to hear first hand from the park owner, Council and all involved just what has happened.
Ms Tulloch has told ABC news the matter is serious enough to warrant intervention.
“Let’s not forget, koalas are the custodian of the Minister for the crown,” she says.
“This all just sounds such nonsense to me, so where is the minister in all this?”
Steve Coleman is the head of the RSPCA in New South Wales. Last week he told the ABC news eight koalas seized from Gunnedah’s Waterways Wildlife Park are in a safe location and are being cared for, but he won’t say where.
“The animals have been moved to a facility where they can undergo specific treatment,” he says.
“At this stage it seems they are doing OK.The animals in our view were dehydrated and malnourished, but that’s a matter for the experts to determine.”
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