A large number of native and exotic reptiles, birds and mammals were seized from a Kyneton business last Thursday.
Officers from the Victorian Conservation Regulator and Victoria Police raided the disused factory site in Beauchamp Street discovering the animals inside a large shipping container.
About a dozen officers and wildlife experts took about eight hours to remove the animals from the 40-foot container and nearby sheds. Many of the animals were found dead. It’s expected that charges will follow.
The operation was part of an ongoing investigation into illegal wildlife trade.
All wildlife is protected in Victoria under the Wildlife Act 1975, and it is illegal to possess, take or destroy wildlife without authorisation.
Loddon Mallee operations manager, Suriya Vine, said the laws were in place to protect wildlife and to prevent biosecurity risks.
“Our laws and permit systems exist to prevent the exploitation of native and exotic animals as well as protecting their welfare,” she said.
“If you are aware of suspicious behaviour around wildlife, we encourage you to report it to Crime Stoppers Victoria. Even a small amount of information from the public can help fight wildlife crime.”
Exotic pest animals aren’t pets and pose a serious biosecurity risk to Victoria. The illegal trade, sale and distribution of these exotic species risks normalising these animals as pets in Victoria, which in turn risks their escape or release into the landscape and becoming pest species.
If you know of any offences being committed against Victoria’s wildlife, you can make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers via 1800 333 000.
