Man fined $30,000 in landmark reptile case

A FERNTREE Gully man has been convicted and fined for charges of illegal trade and possession of native reptiles in a landmark decision in the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court last week.
Meyndert Bornman, 33, was convicted and fined $30,000 and ordered to pay an additional $1490 in court costs.
Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) investigator Emily Gibson said this was the largest fine ever handed down in Victoria for this type of offence.
She said the largest previous ruling had been in 2006 for $21,000.“A $30,000 fine aptly demonstrates how seriously the protection of our native animals is viewed,” said Ms Gibson.
Magistrate Brian Clifford heard that an investigation was launched in April last year following a search of Bornman’s home.
DSE prosecutor Chris Jensen said the investigation had looked into Bornman’s dealings across the country including Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory.
He told the court, the DSE found Bornman in breach of his advanced private wildlife licence and had committed numerous offences under the Wildlife Act, the Wildlife Regulations and the Crimes Act. The investigation revealed that a number of retiles had been illegally traded including green tree and carpet pythons, and frill-necked lizards. Green tree pythons are listed under the convention of international trade in endangered species list.
Ms Gibson said Victoria’s system of licensing for native collections helped to ensure that reptiles were obtained from legal sources and not illegally sold, thereby endangering localised populations. Anyone who suspects any illegal trading should call DSE on 136 186.