Hefty fine following wildlife trafficking investigation

The man had a range of native lizards and pythons in his possession. Picture: PIXABAY

By Mitchell Clarke

A Warragul man has been slapped with a hefty fine after he was caught with a range of native lizards and pythons in his possession.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) carried out a search warrant at a Warragul property in November last year, in relation to an ongoing illegal trafficking investigation.

The Gazette understands a Conservation Regulator investigation into the illegal trafficking of native Australian wildlife had detected a range of offences linked to the property.

The man was handed a $990 fine for failing to meet the requirements of his private wildlife licence, as well as for offences in relation to record-keeping.

Conservation Regulation program manager Peter Simpson said the incident was a “timely reminder” to all private wildlife licence holders about their own obligations.

“Regulations and licences are in place to ensure wild populations of wildlife are protected and not illegally traded,” Mr Simpson said.

He added that all wildlife licence holders needed to ensure they were following detailed instructions in their Wildlife Record Book, as well as adhering to conditions outlined in their licence.

“Before entering into this process, it is very important that you understand what type of licence you need and what the conditions are,” he said.

“It is essential that all wildlife transactions are recorded by the close of the same day of business, and entries into record books must be permanent and legible.

“Record books must not be tampered with by erasing and editing entries, removing pages, or damaging them in any way.”

Mr Simpson said that if licence owners happened to lose their record book, it had to be reported to the Conservation Regulator.

The incident has since renewed calls for people to alert authorities regarding any instances of wildlife being taken from wild populations.

Information can be provided anonymously, however officers may need details to follow up on the initial report. All information is treated confidentially.

If you are aware of wildlife that has been taken or is suspected of being taken from wild populations, please report this information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

For more information on keeping wildlife as pets, visit www.wildlife.vic.gov.au.