Violet Town eagle poisoning case concludes as landowners cautioned over illegal baiting practices

The Conservation Regulator is cautioning landowners about illegal poisoning practices towards native birds of prey, following the conclusion of a major cruelty case in northeast Victoria.

The matter involving a Violet Town woman, who was previously found guilty of 73 wildlife and cruelty offences, was finalised today at the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court without a sentence being imposed following her death.

The 84-year-old was due to be sentenced today for poisoning dozens of native birds, mostly wedge-tailed eagles, and illegally keeping protected wildlife remains at her property in 2019.

In June, Presiding Magistrate Faram found the woman guilty of 47 charges under the Wildlife Act 1975 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986, including 35 counts of killing wildlife by poison, seven counts of aggravated cruelty, and five counts of possessing protected wildlife without authorisation.

She also pleaded guilty to a further 26 charges of illegal possession under the Wildlife Act 1975 relating to the remains of kangaroo joeys and native birds, including galahs and cockatoos, found inside freezers in her house.

Today’s outcome concludes a significant case for the Conservation Regulator, beginning in 2019 when Authorised Officers from the then Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, with assistance from Victoria Police and Agriculture Victoria, executed several search warrants, including one at the woman’s property and discovered hundreds of native bird carcasses, mostly wedge-tailed eagles, in her home and paddocks, and across other nearby properties.

In Victoria, all wildlife, including wedge-tailed eagles, are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 and it is illegal to disturb, kill, take, control, or hunt them without authorisation. It is the responsibility of landowners to understand their legal obligations in relation to the use of baits and poisons and the rules for controlling wildlife.

For more information about managing wildlife, visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/wildlife-management-and-control-authorisations

Information about baiting can be found at: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/chemicals/requirements-for-using-1080-and-PAPP-animal-bait

The community is encouraged to report suspicious animal deaths and other wildlife crime to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.

Quote attributable to Greg Chant, Hume Regional Manager

“This was an unacceptable case of wildlife cruelty, which resulted in the loss of a significant number of iconic native birds. The Conservation Regulator does not tolerate wildlife cruelty and we will investigate and take enforcement action against anyone caught breaking the law.”

Quote attributable to Kate Gavens, Chief Conservation Regulator

“Victoria is lucky to have magnificent native birds like wedge-tailed eagles and protecting them is everyone’s responsibility. We thank the public for their interest in this case and the local community for assisting our investigation and we continue to urge anyone who suspects wildlife cruelty to report it to Crime Stoppers Victoria.”