Gordon Copeland Press Release
For Immediate Release
Friday, 7th September 2007

Copeland calls for Government policy switch on possum fur

Independent MP Gordon Copeland, reacting to the news that possum fur is now selling for $105 per kilo, has called on the Government to look at a change in strategy for possum control.

“We are currently spending around $80 million per year trying to exterminate possums through the use of the deadly poison, 1080,” said Mr Copeland.

“The head of the ERMA reassessment process has recently stated that the use of 1080 in New Zealand constitutes a ‘necessary evil’. I see no good reason why we should continue with such a dangerous strategy when there is now a fabulous market out there for possum fur.”

“I think the tax payer would receive far better value for their dollar if we were to pay a bounty of $5 per possum to encourage capture and subsequent sale of fur.”

“This would give us the certainty of reducing the possum population by around 10 million a year at a minimum and creates new exporting opportunities.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media