NSW: Eyewitness says baby whale suffered as they killed it

AAP General News (Australia)
08-22-2008
NSW: Eyewitness says baby whale suffered as they killed it

Wildlife authorities have defended the way a whale calf was put down today .. following
criticism it suffered inhumanely before dying.

The injured baby humpback affectionately called Colin .. which has now been identified
as a female .. was put down by vets today after being abandoned in waters north of Sydney
earlier this week.

CHERIE CURCHOD says she saw the whale thrashing around near a jetty below her home
after it was given more than six injections.

She says the whale was then tied up and dragged across the bay at Pittwater before
it actively started trying to get away.

Ms CHURCHOD says it was upsetting to watch because it didn't have an easy death at all.

JOHN DENGATE from the National Parks and Wildlife Service says the whale's death was
the best possible result in the circumstances.

He says it was the best way to put the animal out of its misery.

AAP RTV krc/pbc/sw/bart

KEYWORD: CALF DEATH (SYDNEY)

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