Nagambie man fined over Boa Constrictor possession

The man was convicted and fined $1000 and ordered to pay $271 in veterinarian euthanasia costs after Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers found him in possession of a two-metre-long boa constrictor last year.

Officers inspected his house in July 2021 after receiving reports he was keeping a carpet python without a licence, but instead found what they believed to be a boa constrictor.

The species was confirmed by Zoos Victoria keepers based on the size, markings and colouration of the snake.

The man pled guilty to one offence of keeping a controlled pest animal under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.

Boa constrictors are native to South America and the Caribbean and are classified as a pest animal in Australia.

Pest animals pose a serious threat to the environment and community health in Victoria and can only be kept with certain licences.

For more information on pest animals visit https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/pest-animals.  

For information about keeping native Australian wildlife as pets, visit Private wildlife licences.

The community can report any information about alleged illegal wildlife or pest animal possession to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.

Boa constrictors and other pest animals are controlled in Victoria because they can damage ecosystems, threaten local wildlife populations and risk community health and safety. There is no reason to keep these animals without the appropriate authorisation.

Before buying a pet, native or exotic, it is your responsibility to correctly identify the species and understand if they are legal to own in Victoria and if you require a licence. It is important to buy from a licensed dealer to ensure the animal has been legally sourced.