A HIGHTON man has been convicted and fined for failing to provide adequate food, water and shelter for a large collection of wildlife.<\/p>\n
At the Geelong Magistrates\u2019 Court last week, the man pleaded guilty to five charges, including cruelty, aggravated cruelty, unlawful possession of wildlife, failing to notify a change of address and failing to keep accurate records.<\/p>\n
In July 2016, wildlife officers from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) were called to a Highton property after police discovered the collection during a callout.<\/p>\n
DELWP program manager of compliance operations Mark Breguet said 260 animals, including two small fresh water crocodiles, frogs, snakes and lizards, were found at the property.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlmost half of the animals at the address were in poor condition or deceased.<\/p>\n
\u201cZoos Victoria veterinary staff attended the address and assessed all live animals.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile some of the seized animals were rehabilitated by specialist reptile vets and rehoused by DELWP, many did not respond to treatment and
\nhave since died.\u201d<\/p>\n
The man was convicted and fined $5,000 plus costs of $15,095.67. He was also disqualified from owning protected wildlife for five years.<\/p>\n
DELWP regulates wildlife licensing in Victoria, including issuing licences to keep and trade captive-bred native wildlife.<\/p>\n
A Private Wildlife Licence authorises the holder to possess, keep, breed, buy, sell and dispose of wildlife listed in the Wildlife Regulations 2013.<\/p>\n
A Code of Practice applies to the private keeping of reptiles to help protect the welfare of animals.<\/p>\n
Mr Breguet said while large collections of captive-bred wildlife were allowed under licence, strict conditions must be met.<\/p>\n
\u201cDespite holding a DELWP wildlife licence at the time, the owner failed to meet the Code of Practice, which is in place to protect the welfare of animals.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the privilege of keeping wildlife comes the responsibility for the animal\u2019s health and welfare.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis result sends a strong message to the community that serious penalties apply to licence holders who fail to provide adequate food, water and shelter for wildlife in their care.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe urge members of the public to report any suspected cases of wildlife cruelty, unlicensed possession and trade, and anyone who takes wildlife from the wild.\u201d<\/p>\n
To make a confidential report, phone DELWP on 136 186.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A HIGHTON man has been convicted and fined for failing to provide adequate food, water and shelter for a large collection of wildlife. At the Geelong Magistrates\u2019 Court last week, the man pleaded guilty to five charges, including cruelty, aggravated cruelty, unlawful possession of wildlife, failing to notify a change of address and failing to […]<\/p>\n