Kill a Stingray for Steve

Fears of revenge attacks on stingrays over Irwin death
By Devika Bhat and agencies

At least ten stingrays have been found dead and mutilated on Australia’s eastern coast in the last week in what conservationists believe could be revenge attacks for the death of Steve Irwin, the popular naturalist and television personality.
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The dead stingrays have been discovered on two beaches in Queensland state, where Mr Irwin lived and ran his popular wildlife park, Australia Zoo. Two of the unfortunate rays, discovered today, were retrieved with their tails lopped off, according to local fishery officials.
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"We are disgusted and disappointed that people would take this sort of action to hurt wildlife. We just want to make it very clear that we will not accept and not stand for anyone who has taken a form of retribution. That’s the last thing Steve would want."

"Stingrays are beautiful creatures and play an important role for the environment. I hope everyone understands we have to protect wildlife now more than ever. This is what Steve was all about."

Stingrays are usually shy, unobtrusive fish that rummage along the sea bottom for food or burrow into the sand. When stepped on or otherwise frightened, a serrated spine up to 25cm (10 inches) long in the animal’s tail flares up.

The spines emit toxins that can kill small creatures and cause excruciating pain in humans. Few people die from the poison, but the spines can badly tear flesh and the wounds are prone to infections, including tetanus.

Rick Symons, government fisheries manager of animal welfare, said that officials were investigating the matter and warned that offenders could be prosecuted if evidence of cruelty was found.

--boy, would this *** head be upset to see me gut a live fish and throw it on ice. I love to throw lobsters and crabs into boiling water. It's also fun to boil shrimp and crayfish. Sometimes I like to shoot carp. *** Stingrays and Snail Darter fish.
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