Posted on 09/12/2006 9:56:11 AM PDT by kiriath_jearim
Dead stingrays with their tails cut off have been found in Australia, sparking concern that fans of naturalist Steve Irwin may be avenging his death. Mr Irwin, a TV personality known as the "Crocodile Hunter", was killed while diving in Queensland when a stingray's barb stabbed him in the chest.
Since then, 10 stingrays have been found mutilated on Queensland beaches.
Government officials said they were investigating the deaths and there could be prosecutions.
Two stingrays were found at a beach north of Brisbane with their tails cut off, while eight were found on another beach on Monday, The Australian reported.
Wayne Sumpton of the state fisheries department said it was not clear if the incidents were connected to Mr Irwin's death.
He said fishermen who inadvertently caught stingrays sometimes cut off their tails to avoid being stung, but such a practice was uncommon.
'Protect wildlife'
Michael Hornby, a friend of the late naturalist and executive director of Mr Irwin's Wildlife Warrior fund, condemned any revenge killings.
"We just want to make it very clear that we will not accept and not stand for anyone who's taken a form of retribution. That's the last thing Steve would want," he said.
"I hope everyone understands we have to protect wildlife now more than ever. This is what Steve was all about."
Stingrays are normally placid, but when they feel under threat, a sharp, poisonous spine in their tail flicks up.
A public memorial service for Mr Irwin will be held next week.
Now THAT is utterly moronic.
PETA's gonna hit the roof.
PC/BS alert.
Apparently it's becoming increasingly common.
"That's the last thing Steve would want,"
Clearly. Idiocy abounds everywhere.
You can be prosecuted for killing a stingray??
We have here a serious case of failure to grasp the concept.
It certainly is.
Ya think the other Sting Rays are getting the word?
(just dumb)
LOL.
Will Australia survive?
Some people just want to make a difference in the world.
Despite the fact that this is the BBC, this has GOT to be a spoof they've picked up in error.
Poor Stevo is probably turning in his grave. Talk about doing his legacy injustice.
I guess the Devil Rays ever playing an exhibition game down under is probably out of the question...
Especially since that is a Mako Shark, not a Sting Ray.
Not really. The liftgate on my brother-in-law's truck would do a great job.
I'm glad he didn't get killed in a rock slide. It is humiliating trying to take revenge out on a boulder.
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