Stingrays Are Being Killed Since Irwin's Death

Just when I think I'e seen all the stupid, evil and utterly ridiculous actions that mankind has to offer, some nut finds a way to sink even lower. Maybe I should have expected this, but it just never occurred to me that people would take their grief and anger, and turn it against a normally peaceful group of animals.

Last week, Steve "the Crocodile Hunter" Irwin was stung by a stingray in an underwater accident and died. Stingrays do not attack humans unless they are cornered or scared. Even then, the sting would be very painful, but usually not fatal. Irwin died because the Stingray's barb went directly into his heart. This animal did not attack Irwin out of viciousness or a desire to see him dead. It was just a frightened animal trying to defend itself. That's why I find this story so senseless.

Since Irwin's death, at least 10 stingrays have been found dead on Australian beaches. These were not normal deaths. These stingrays had been killed by humans. Some of them even had their barbed-tail cut off. What do the dunces who did this think they are doing? Is this revenge? Is it anger? Surely these cretins don't think they have done something heroic.

We can be sure that Irwin would not have wanted this to happen. Irwin loved and protected animals, and would have been horrified that these animals had been slaughtered, regardless of the reason. I hope law enforcement can stop these killings soon, and prosecute the offenders. They deserve the stiffest punishment that Australian law allows.