The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is sending a strong reminder that unlawful wildlife activity will not be tolerated in Queensland and could result in the removal of animals, cancellation of wildlife permits, a hefty fine or court appearance.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Wildlife Officers will be travelling from Toowoomba to Roma this week, visiting several towns including Dalby, Tara, and Miles to stay connected with permit holders and support local communities.
The compliance patrol will include routine inspections on wildlife licence holders, meeting with community members and investigating any alleged illegal activity.
Wildlife Officers conduct quarterly visits in rural towns, aiming to reconnect with residents and educate people of the right things to do when they find sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife or when wildlife is causing damage or loss of property or impacting on human health or wellbeing.
DES program coordinator wildlife operations Warren Christensen said most Queenslanders do the right thing when it comes to caring for wildlife.
“In the past financial year, we have only issued three fines and three official warnings to rural community members,” Mr Christensen said.
“It’s important that we meet regularly with local residents and authorities to hear what wildlife matters are affecting rural towns and how the department can manage or assist the community if required.”
All native wildlife is protected by law. If a person rescues a protected animal, but is not a licensed rehabilitator, they must take the animal to a vet, conservation officer or licensed rehabilitator within 72 hours of taking the animal into care.
In the event of bushfires, all sick, injured, or orphaned wildlife should go immediately to a vet or licenced wildlife carer. The 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) Emergency Hotline can office advice or assistance in dealing with sick, injured or orphaned wildlife or connect callers with local wildlife carers. Please do not feed wildlife as it can impact their health or behaviour.
The most common offences dealt with by the department include:
- Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NCA), Sec 88: Take protected animal without lawful authority (class 4 offence) $774 fine or $15,480 maximum by magistrate.
- NCA, Sec 88A(1): Keep or use lawfully taken protected animal or descendant of a protected animal without lawful authority generally. $2322 fine or $154,800 maximum by magistrate.
- NCA (animal) Regulation 2022, Sec 318: Fail to comply with condition of animal authority (record keeping/return of operations). $774 fine or $15,480 maximum by magistrate.
