Wildlife Controller Licence Guide

It is important wildlife in the wild are kept free of human intervention for the health and safety of both wildlife and people. However, in some circumstances wildlife may find themselves in situations that create unacceptable risks to human safety, or where they may cause damage to property through behaviours that conflict with human activities and land use.

In circumstances where wildlife populations are secure and animal welfare can be appropriately managed, wildlife controller licence holders are able to capture and dispose of or release certain species to urgently address damage or danger. As a commercial licence type, the holder of a wildlife controller licence can charge customers a fee to carry out these activities.

This guide outlines the requirements of a wildlife controller licence as set by legislation and in licence conditions. It sets out the objectives of each requirement and provides information about how to comply. This guidance stipulates where an action is mandatory to meet the conditions of a wildlife controller licence for example, where guidance specifies an action must occur.

In some instances the information is not mandatory but intended to assist licence holders in understanding their entitlements and indicating best-practice, for example, where guidance specifies an action should, may, or can occur. This guidance also indicates options on how licence holders might comply with conditions where there are multiple viable methods to meet the obligation.

Some wildlife licences may be subject to additional conditions. Please ensure you read your licence conditions carefully, and your activities comply with all conditions associated with your specific wildlife controller licence.

If you have questions about how to comply with specific conditions in your licence, call or email us

Call DEECA Customer Contact 136 186

Email wildlifelicensing@deeca.vic.gov.au

Sections of this guide