Wildlife Queensland is deeply concerned about the indiscriminate and cruel drowning deaths of air-breathing animals such as platypuses, rakali, and freshwater turtles in Queensland due to the use of enclosed yabby traps, particularly opera house nets.

This practice is ethically unjustifiable. Platypuses face increased risks of local extinction due to trapping and drowning, exacerbating existing pressures from climate change and habitat destruction. 

Despite regulations, these traps continue to cause horrific deaths, with abandoned nets continuing to drown our native aquatic wildlife. The current regulations are insufficient and confusing, as evidenced by illegal usage and disregard for the law. Following the other state's lead in banning these traps in all waters, we call for a comprehensive ban on the sale, possession, and use of enclosed yabby traps in Queensland. 

We urge Hon Mark Furner MP, Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries, and Hon Leanne Linard MP, Minister for the Environment, to take immediate action to protect Queensland's precious wildlife by implementing these necessary bans. 

By signing this petition, you call for urgent action and advocate for adopting wildlife-friendly alternatives to prevent further suffering and loss of life. Please add your postcode so we can let politicians know which electorates are in favour of this ban.

SUPPORTERS:
• Dr Tom Grant, University of NSW Researcher
• Josh Griffiths, PlatypusSPOT Ecologist
• The Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland, PlatypusWatch
• Doug Gimesy, Conservation & Wildlife photographer
• Platypus Conservation Initiative, University of NSW 
• RSPCA Queensland
• Australian Wildlife Society (AWS)
• Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF)
• People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Australia
• Humane Society International
• Zoos Victoria