By NATALIE GALLENTI
A ROCKBANK resident was convicted and fined $3,000 in Sunshine Magistrates’ Court earlier this month for the unlawful possession of a number of threatened and protected wildlife species.
The conviction follows a successful joint operation by Department of Sustainability and Environment Wildlife Officers, Victoria Police and other agencies, at the 41-year-old man’s house in February this year.
It also comes a month after Victoria Police and the RSPCA busted an illegal cockfighting ring in Rockbank and seven months after another raid at a property in the area housing animals, including dogs and goats, suspected of being illegally slaughtered and sold for human consumption.
A large collection of native wildlife was located at the house in February, including a growling grass frog, one of Victoria’s most endangered frogs.
Other species found at the property included central netted dragons, central and eastern bearded dragons, a children’s python, 28 green tree frogs, a crucifix toad and an emu.
All the wildlife was seized except for the emu which was voluntarily surrendered once arrangements for the bird’s welfare had been made.
In handing down the conviction, the Magistrate noted the large collection of wildlife the offender had amassed.
In addition to the conviction and fine, the offender was ordered to pay $907 in costs to DSE for the maintenance and relocation of the wildlife.
DSE Wildlife Officer Michael Woods said wildlife should not be treated like a commodity.
“This result sends a clear message to the community that unlawful possession of wildlife is unacceptable,” he said.
