Thousands of feral camels, in search of water, are reportedly wreaking havoc on the small Australian town of Docker River.  The dromedaries are destroying property and infrastructure and have reportedly overtaken the airstrip.   Some of the thirsty camels have been killed in stampedes at watering holes, contaminating the town’s water supply.  Authorities call the situation critical. 

Camels were brought to Australia in the 1880s and used for transportation and exploration purposes.  Over the years, the camel population exploded.   With no natural predators, it is estimated nearly 1 million feral camels now roam the deserts.    Today, they are considered a pest and cause an estimated $14 million in damage each year.

If the cull moves forward, between 3,000 and 6,000 wild camels will be killed. Thousands of wild camels will be corralled by helicopters, miles from town, and then shot to death by marksmen. The carcasses will be left to decompose in the desert.

According to marksman Kim Schwartzkopff, the cull program is humane, “They’re actually humanely shot and they’re ensured that they are dead before we leave.”  While some believe shooting the wild camels is the most effective method in controlling the out-of-control camel population, others disagree.  In fact, the plan has outraged some.   Described as a “blood bath” by animal welfare group Animals Australia, some believe the mass aerial slaughter will cause terrible distress and suffering to the camels.

The emergency cull, funded by the Northern Territory Government, is expected to last several days.

Source - GO Media - Written by Jace Shoemaker-Galloway

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