Yinnar man banned from keeping wildlife

A man has been banned from keeping wildlife for 5 years after reptiles in his care were found dead and others malnourished at his Gippsland property.

The 35-year-old was sentenced in the La Trobe Valley Magistrates’ Court this month. The man pleaded guilty to charges under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 for failing to provide animals he held under a wildlife licence with proper and sufficient food.

Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers executed search warrants at a Yinnar property in September 2024, locating three deceased pythons, and a deceased shingle-back lizard.

A coastal carpet python and a tiger snake were found alive, but in poor condition, and were taken to a vet clinic. The python was diagnosed with chronic emaciation and mild dehydration, and the snake was found to be underweight, indicating inappropriate feeding.

In passing the sentence, the Magistrate described the condition the snakes were found in as “concerning”, noting the seriousness of the offences and responsibilities that come with holding a wildlife licence.

The man was disqualified from owning or being in charge of wildlife for five years and received an $800 fine.

All wildlife in Victoria are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. The Conservation Regulator administers private wildlife licences under the Wildlife Act, which allows licence holders to keep wildlife as pets subject to a range of conditions.

Licence holders must ensure animals are properly fed, housed and cared for to support their health and welfare.

The community can report any information about wildlife crimes to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000. Reports can be anonymous.

Quotes attributable to Gippsland Regulatory Operations Program Manager Brad Woods:

Keeping wildlife in Victoria comes with clear responsibilities, and the neglect or cruel mistreatment of native animals will not be tolerated.

Wildlife in captivity rely entirely on the person caring for them – and when that care falls short, the consequences can be serious.

We monitor wildlife permit holders to ensure they comply with licence conditions, and we investigate reports of animal welfare standards not being met.