Campaign to save Loch Lomond's wallabies gains pace

Jun 26 2009 by Marc McLean, Lennox Herald (main ed)

CAMPAIGNS to save Loch Lomond’s threatened wallabies have been springing up everywhere.

There has been a flurry of support for the furry bouncing animals since the Lennox Herald revealed up to 60 could be culled on Inchconnachan Island.

A Balloch boatman has started an online petition, a Glasgow taxi driver and his pals staged a protest on the island, and an animal rights group has formed its own campaign.

The wallabies – which are native to Australia – could be culled as they are now seen as a threat to rare native species on the island because they are eating the vegetation.

Taxi driver John Chapman, of Cardonald, and his friends unfurled a massive ‘save the wallabies’ banner when camping on the island two weeks ago.

He said: “I’ve been going to Inchconnachan for the past three years through kayaking and now on my boat.

“We’ve been taking family and friends over and it’s great to see the amazement on their faces when they spot the wallabies.

“They really are a popular tourist attraction and that’s partly why I’ve been so annoyed since I heard that they may be killed.

“I made the banner and camped on the island with five friends.”

Roderick Whiting set up an online petition last week and is urging people to sign in a bid to prevent the wallabies being killed.

He said: “As a boat user on Loch Lomond for the last 25 years, and a regular visitor to Inchconnachan, I was deeply concerned to hear of the proposed cull of wallabies on the island.

“I have personally organised visits to the island for many people, including friends and family, and regard them as a great attraction for anyone visiting the loch.”

Meanwhile, Luss Estates has already been approached by commercial animal dealers who are interested in investigating the possibility of catching and selling the animals.

However, Animal Concern Advice Line recently contacted Luss Estates stating that rehoming the animals in suitable sanctuaries would be a better solution.

John Robins, of Animal Concern Advice Line, wrote: “If necessary Animal Concern Advice Line and other animal welfare organisations are willing to support Luss Estates in finding new homes for the wallabies or exploring non-lethal means to eliminate them by curbing breeding.

“We will, however, totally and actively oppose any culling of the wallabies and we urge all those involved to be open and co-operative in finding an agreeable solution to this situation.”

Following last week’s report that some wallabies had been cruelly slaughtered, Mr Robins told the Lennox Herald: “We have been very pleased at the public support for our campaign and anyone thinking of going over to the island and taking a pot shot at a wallaby better beware.

“The island is now being watched and any further attempts to kill the wallabies will be reported to the police immediately.”

To sign the online petition visit: www.ipetitions.com/petition/savethewallabies/index.html