AUSTRALIAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION 26 March 04 Animal welfare the obstacle to NT crocodile hunting
Animal welfare could be the biggest obstacle to the Territory's plan to introduce safari-style crocodile hunting.
Federal Environment Minister, Dr David Kemp has met a delegation of cattlemen, indigenous representatives, crocodile experts and ministers to discuss the plan.
Floodplains pastoralist Tony Searle says the meeting was positive, but acknowledges more lobbying could be needed.
"The only hurdle we have got is the humane treatment of the crocodiles.
"How, when, where and why, and who's going to pull the trigger.
"Most people that want to go into this type of operation are well qualified to do so; and people that are hunting are professional hunters and they don't want damaged trophy.
"And I think that (they are considering) setting up accredited systems to make sure the process works okay.
It may take time to convince them, but at the end of the day it will happen, I think."
The plan involves hunting 25 saltwater crocodiles per year.
The Federal Government is considering the Territory Government's plan, and is expected to make a decision next month.
Animal welfare the obstacle to NT crocodile hunting