Men convicted and fined $5000 for illegal collecting and selling wildlife

A 64-year-old man was convicted and given a $3,000 fine earlier this month after pleading guilty to illegally taking wildlife and illegally possessing wildlife.

In late November, a 36-year-old man was given a $2,000 fine after pleading guilty to two charges of illegally possessing wildlife.  

Conservation Regulator Forest and Wildlife Officer Patrick Vincenzini said officers inspected the 64-year-old man’s Mildura property in June last year and found three Carpet Pythons and one Bearded Dragon.

“The man acquired the pythons contrary to the conditions of his licence and the court ordered the reptiles be forfeited,” Mr Vincenzini said.

“Further investigation uncovered that two of the pythons had been purchased from a 36-year-old Mildura man who did not have a wildlife licence; and that the Bearded Dragon had been taken from the wild.

“The men were charged with offences under the Wildlife Act 1975 including acquiring protected wildlife, acquiring threatened wildlife and possession of wildlife unlawfully taken.

“This is an important reminder that all native wildlife in Victoria, including birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians are protected and it is illegal to take protected wildlife from the wild.

“You must have a wildlife licence to keep native wildlife in Victoria and wildlife must come from a legitimate source.

“Regulations and licences are in place to ensure our native wildlife is protected and not illegally kept or traded. Licence holders can be audited to ensure licence conditions are being met,” Mr Vincenzini said.

Under the Wildlife Act 1975 the possession of wildlife unlawfully taken can carry a fine of up to $39,653 and/or imprisonment of up to two years.

The public is encouraged to report wildlife crime to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information can be provided anonymously, however officers may need details to follow up on the initial report. All information is treated confidentially.

For more information on keeping and trading wildlife call the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning hotline on 136 186 or visit: wildlife.vic.gov.au