Councillor backs protest group

CASEY Council has become embroiled in an international controversy at sea through its friendship city relationship with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.
Members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police stormed Sea Shepherd ship the Farley Mowat last weekend and arrested and charged two of its crew over their attempts to halt the annual seal hunt off the east coast of Canada.
The two crew members have since been bailed.
Casey began ties with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society in March 2007 when it officially recognised the society.
In January the organisation came to prominence when two of its members were detained by Japanese sailors after they boarded their whaling ship.
Councillor Michael Farley instigated the relationship after learning about the work the group conducted.
Cr Farley said the organisation used non-violent tactics to protect marine life around the world.
“Nobody is ever hurt in their activities,” he claimed. Cr Farley’s wife and daughter are both members of the society.
“I never condone people breaking the law and as a community leader that would be seen to be wrong.”
Sea Shepherd claims to have sunk 10 ships during its operations and has been criticised by Greenpeace.
Casey manager of communications Ros Weadman said: “Whilst we cannot comment on the circumstances being reported from Canada, council’s friendship city arrangement with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society acknowledges council’s respect for the society’s commitment to protecting marine mammals across the globe.”