WEST Australian farmers have welcomed an announcement that pastoralists will be allowed to apply for handguns to control feral animals such as camels.
The Western Australian Farmers Federation said handguns were an important tool of trade, for on-property animal control.
The announcement on Friday by West Australian Police Minister Rob Johnson followed ongoing concern from industry over the risks pastoralists face from livestock, feral animals, camels and wild dogs without access to appropriate tools.
WAFarmers had called on the Western Australian Government to review the current licensing procedures.
WAFarmers land management spokesman Dale Park said handguns were a necessary tool of trade for pastoralists, as a safe, effective "close order" device.
"It is currently mustering season in the pastoral areas of Western Australia, which is a time when increased close management of livestock has a commensurate increase in risk to pastoralists," Mr Park said.
"WAFarmers is pleased that Minister Johnson and the State Government have responded to these concerns, and looks forward to continuing working with them to ensure safety of Western Australia’s pastoralists is maintained."
