So no, death is no option and is not merciful, this time. “Particularly difficult” means still possible – as long as you give a sh* and try, at least. And how seals and walruses do live in safer enclosures? Don’t be shy, enlighten the members of the public. Why on earth can’t we see that as the best option?! And please do tell – since you seem to know – how it is not possible to safely move such an animal. They talked, conferred, read pompous statements about how they care for animal welfare – and killed her. Jeez – poor country with no maritime experience whatsoever, with no boats, right? – And yes, there are aquariums where seals and walruses live, sheltered from such trigger happy animal “lovers” – or simply clear and far away seas – they didn’t even try. The police officers arriving to the area later decided to kill the bear. The Governor's office said defensive shots were fired and the polar bear was severely wounded. The news comes just days after a polar bear was killed on the Norway-administered Svalbard islands.Ī French tourist was hospitalised after being attacked by a polar bear at a remote camp last Monday. “We believe that those who fail to keep their distance from the animal should be fined, and I think that could have led to people following the guidelines. She told NRK that animal welfare cannot be used as a justification for killing the walrus and other measures should have been tried first. She says she was “shocked and very disappointed” to hear the news. Veterinarian Siri Martinsen, leader of the animal welfare organisation Noah, was among the early voices to be critical of the decision. We have great regard for animal welfare, but human life and safety must take precedence,” said Bakke-Jensen. “We have sympathies for the fact that the decision can cause reactions with the public, but I am firm that this was the right call. The Directorate admitted they expect a strong response from the public, but said the decision was the “right call”: There were several animal welfare concerns associated with a possible relocation,” said Bakke-Jensen. “The extensive complexity of such an operation made us conclude that this was not a viable option. The possibility of moving the animal was discussed at length with the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research. We concluded that we could not ensure the animal's welfare through any means available,” said Bakke-Jensen. “We have considered all possible solutions carefully. Several possible solutions to the issue had been discussed. “Therefore, the Directorate has concluded, the possibility for potential harm to people was high and animal welfare was not being maintained,” said the statement. Photo: © Directorate of Fisheries.Īccording to the Directorate of Fisheries, through on-site observations over the past week made it clear that the public has disregarded the current recommendation to keep a clear distance to the walrus. The image has been blackened out of consideration for the individuals in the image. The walrus “Freya” observed in front of a large crowd at Kadettangen. The risk of authorities having to kill the walrus was well known, having been picked up by global media over the past week. Read more: Prime Minister Defends Walrus Killing Amid Global Outrage Locals ignored warnings to stay away “The decision to euthanise the walrus was made based on an overall assessment of the continued threat to human safety,” said Director General of Fisheries, Mr. In recent weeks, many people had gathered nearby to get a glimpse of the walrus, ignoring pleas from the authorities. In a press release, the authority stated the operation was performed due to the risk to human safety. The Oslofjord walrus known as “Freya” has been put down by authorities because of the ongoing risk to human and animal welfare.Įarly on Sunday morning, the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries carried out a controlled operation to euthanise the Oslofjord walrus that had unintentionally become a global celebrity.įor several weeks, the walrus had spent time in the harbours of the Oslofjord, lounging around on boats.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |