Wildlife fines

By Bridget Cook
THE conviction of a Cranbourne man has spurred the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) to remind wildlife licence holders to obey the law.
A 27-year-old Cranbourne man was convicted and fined $5000, and ordered to pay costs of $179.30 in the Dandenong Magistrates’ Court for breaching conditions of his licence.
The man, who was given two shingleback lizards, which had been taken from the wild, failed to keep them in secure enclosures. He also failed to comply with record book keeping requirements.
The breaches include failure to submit a return for wildlife, notify the loss of a protected wildlife record book, notify address change, keep wildlife in secure enclosures and the possession of two shingleback lizards unlawfully.
DSE senior wildlife officer Emily Gibson said this court result was a timely reminder for private wildlife licence holders.
“Licence renewals are due on 1 October and this court result is a reminder to wildlife licence holders that records need to be kept up-to-date and licence conditions need to be followed,” she said.
Ms Gibson said the man admitted he was given the two lizards by another person who had picked them up from the wild.
“He later disposed of the wildlife and declined to provide information about their fate,” she said.
It is a privilege to keep wildlife and this fine sends a very strong message to licence holders that they must comply with the conditions of their licence.”
Private wildlife licences are due for renewal on 1 October. Existing licence holders will have received a renewal notice in the mail, provided they have submitted their annual return for wildlife.
People found in possession of wildlife taken from the wild or breaching the conditions of their wildlife licence face penalties of up to $24,400.
To report environmental crime call DSE on 136 186.