Do these pictures make your skin crawl? The photos are of two carpet pythons and a bearded dragon that were given to the Halls Gap Zoo by DEPI in Bendigo to begin a new life last week. DEPI Compliance Officer Phuong Tran said the reptiles were surrendered to the department earlier this year. “These were animals that people in the Bendigo region had previously held under a licence but due to varying circumstances were no longer able to keep. “Sometimes people obtain juvenile animals which over time simply outgrow their owners, or peoples wildlife licences have expired and they’ve contacted the department for advice.” “We’ve transferred two native pythons, which measured more than six foot each, and a lizard to Halls Gap Zoo for safekeeping. “Wildlife that has been bred and kept in captivity can’t be release back to the wild so the zoo is an ideal location for them,” Ms Tran said. “The animals will be used in the zoo’s demonstrations and displays to help educate the public about our native wildlife. “We encourage anyone buying wildlife to think through their purchase and consider the welfare of the animal for its entire life. “This recent wildlife acquisition is a timely reminder to all wildlife licence holders to check the validity of their own licences. “Under the Wildlife Act 1975, all wildlife in Victoria is protected and cannot be taken, killed, harassed, trapped, traded or held in captivity without the appropriate licence. “The maximum penalty for possessing wildlife in Victoria that has been unlawfully acquired is $34,646 and/or two years imprisonment.” Information on wildlife licences is available at: depi.vic.gov.au/environment-and-wildlife/wildlife/keeping-and-trading-wildlife/private-wildlife-licences For more information about private wildlife licences, please contact the DEPI Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
Posted on: Mon, 22 Dec 2014 08:00:00 +0000
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