A man has been convicted and fined $10,000 following the discovery of hundreds of taxidermied and frozen native animals at a property in Kyneton.
The 74-year-old from Kyneton was sentenced in the Kyneton Magistrates’ Court last week. He plead guilty to wildlife, pest animal and animal welfare charges, including illegally possessing and selling wildlife, taking wildlife from the wild without authorisation and failing to meet animal welfare requirements.
The Conservation Regulator executed search warrants at the man’s residence and antiques business at Kyneton in April last year, as part of a major investigation into illegal wildlife trade.
Investigators uncovered an extensive collection of taxidermied animals throughout both premises and frozen animals stored across 14 freezers.
The man was charged in relation to more than 700 dead native birds, reptiles and mammals that were found during the operation across four days.
The court heard animals and animal remains were obtained and possessed without the licences or authorisations required under Victoria’s wildlife laws.
Among the specimens were 78 emus, 42 brushtail possums and 26 echidnas. The collection included the remains of threatened species, including the barking owl, diamond python and Murray River short-necked turtle.
Investigators also found 15 live reptiles in enclosures, including native snakes and turtles, North American red-eared slider turtles and corn snakes. Six native reptiles were being kept in conditions that did not meet required animal welfare standards.
Red-eared slider turtles and corn snakes are classed as prohibited pest animals in Victoria. It is illegal to keep prohibited pest animals without authorisation under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.
All wildlife is protected in Victoria under the Wildlife Act 1975, and it is illegal to possess, take or destroy wildlife without authorisation. The keeping and trade of wildlife, alive or dead, in Victoria requires either a Commercial Wildlife Licence or a Private Wildlife Licence.
In sentencing the Magistrate noted that the collection included a large number of iconic and endangered species, and that the volume of offending was enormous.
“It is bewildering that a man of your intelligence and knowledge and love of wildlife would arrogantly flout the law so comprehensively,” they said.
In sentencing, the Magistrate took into account the man’s age, previous good character, early plea of guilty and limited financial capacity.
Conservation Regulator Director of Regulatory Operations Cal Heppell said the scale of offending in this case highlights why Victoria has strong protections in place for wildlife and animal welfare.
“Our laws and permit systems help protect wildlife from unlawful exploitation, ensure animals are appropriately cared for and safeguard Victoria’s environment and biodiversity from potential threats,” Heppell said.
“These requirements are not optional. Anyone who keeps, trades or possesses wildlife must comply with the law.”
Information about suspected wildlife crime should be reported to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.
