CADS’ rescuers are front-line fighters for the protection of Australia’s native waterbirds. We represent the interests of native waterbirds — in the media, the courts, to parliament and on behalf of the public.
Since 1986, thousands of volunteers from around Australia and overseas have donated their time and money to help protect and rescue Australian native waterbirds, venturing onto the wetlands to move birds out of shotgun range and rushing wounded birds to on-site veterinary care. Our rescuers come from all walks of life but are united in their desire to stop injustice and cruelty.
We warn waterbirds away from the guns, we rescue wounded birds, and recover illegally shot protected and threatened species.
CADS is accompanied by Wildlife Victoria’s mobile veterinary clinic on the opening of the duck shooting season. Wounded birds are x-rayed for injuries and receive veterinary treatment and care. Birds requiring further rehabilitation are transported to Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary or to a wildlife carer, until they have recovered enough to safely return to their habitat.
Our frontline volunteers assist by taking photos and footage of illegal shooter behaviour. Because major party politicians do not come to the wetlands to witness the atrocities, the recovered birds are displayed outside the Premier’s office at 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne.
Native bird hunting inquiry gathers evidence from key organisations on second day of public hearings. The Legislative Council Select Committee listened to representatives of Field & Game Australia, RSPCA Victoria, SSAA Victoria, Coalition Against Duck Shooting, Australian Cypriot Sport Shooting Association – ACSSA & Wildlife Victoria. Transcripts will be available at a later date: vicparl.news/45xNZrI
Following the November 2022 election the Andrews Labor Government came close to banning duck shooting, but didn’t. The Australian Veterinary Association announced it now opposes duck shooting. Herald Sun, 15 February 2023. The season was declared on 24 February. The same day the government announced a Parliamentary Inquiry to examine Victoria’s native bird hunting arrangements. We […]
When calling the shortened 2023 Victorian duck shooting season, the Andrews Labor government announced that a parliamentary inquiry into native bird hunting would be held. Over 10,000 written submissions to parliament were lodged – the largest ever received on any issue. The Coalition Against Duck Shooting submissions can be viewed here and here. Levy and […]