Queensland Votes To Continue Killing Flying Foxes Despite Non-Lethal Alternatives
Heartbreaking news out of Australia as the Queensland Government has voted down a parliamentary motion that would have reinstated a phase-out of flying fox shooting for crop protection, allowing the controversial killing of flying foxes to continue indefinitely despite the availability of safer non-lethal alternatives.
According to Humane World for Animals Australia, the motion was introduced by Labor opposition MP Leanne Linard and sought to reverse changes made by the Crisafulli Government that allow landholders to continue shooting flying foxes. Before those changes were introduced, the killing of flying foxes was reportedly set to end in July 2026.
The decision reportedly follows lobbying from a small number of mango and lychee growers who claim they are unable to transition away from shooting methods, despite widespread use of non-lethal alternatives throughout much of the farming industry.
Animal welfare advocates say the continued killing of flying foxes raises serious animal welfare and conservation concerns, particularly because the animals are typically shot at night, increasing the risk of prolonged suffering, accidental injuries, and the potential misidentification of protected species.
Dr. Renae Charalambous, Program Manager for Wildlife Policy at Humane World for Animals Australia, condemned the decision, stating:
“This is a step backwards for Queensland. Shooting flying foxes is inhumane and ineffective. It is an imprecise method that can result in animals being injured rather than killed outright, leading to prolonged suffering and serious animal welfare risks.
“Flying foxes are typically shot at night, increasing the risk of misidentification, putting endangered species at risk. Injured animals may not die immediately, and dependent young can be left to suffer without care.
“Non-lethal methods, including wildlife-friendly netting, are widely recognised as the most effective way to protect fruit crops and also avoids harm to wildlife.
“The Government’s reinstatement of shooting occurred without meaningful consultation with animal welfare and conservation organisations.
“Queensland had a clear pathway to move away from lethal control and support growers to adopt more effective, non-lethal solutions. The majority of growers took up government subsidies to invest in netting.
“Instead, this decision prioritises outdated ineffective shooting over evidence-based approaches that protect both crops and wildlife. This issue is far from resolved.
“Shooting does not work and community concern will continue to grow while protected wildlife are being shot despite the availability of better alternatives.
“We will continue to advocate for the phase-out of lethal control and stronger protections for flying foxes and we are calling on the Queensland Government to urgently invest in supporting growers to protect their crops with ongoing support for netting.”
Flying foxes play a critical role in Australia’s ecosystems as pollinators and seed dispersers, helping maintain the health of forests and native habitats. Wildlife advocates continue urging governments to expand humane, science-based solutions that protect both wildlife and agriculture.
WAN will continue following this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
