By Parker McKenzie
After two incidents in The Basin involving cruel treatment of native animals, both resulting in the death of a ringtail possum, Victoria Police and the Conservation Regulator have asked the public to provide information that can assist in catching the perpetrators.
In November 2022, a ringtail possum was found dead on Augusta Road having been hit with homemade darts. On 10 January, another ringtail possum was reported to Wildlife Victoria and taken to the Animal Emergency Centre in Mount Waverley for treatment, where it was euthanised because of the injuries it received from the homemade projectile.
Wildlife Victoria CEO Lisa Palma said people need to understand it is a criminal offence to commit cruelty against wildlife.
“If a member of the public comes across an animal that is alive and suffering and will need urgent rescue or veterinarian attention, we ask the public to call Wildlife Victoria on 8400 7300,” she said.
“In the case of the ringtail possum, it was sadly euthanised by a vet after a member of the public found it. She called us on that occasion at 9pm at night and we were able to assist.”
The Conservation Regulator is the Victorian Government body responsible for the regulation of timber harvesting, fire prevention, use of public land, wildlife and biodiversity.
Ms Palma said two incidents are “criminal offences and blatantly cruel”, and deliberate harm has been inflicted on a defenceless native animal.
“The public would be shocked to learn that the deliberate inflicting of harm on our wildlife and individual animal and multiple animal levels is a lot more common than we realize,” she said.
“People need to be vigilant; they need to report their concerns so it can be appropriately investigated.”
She said if a case is reported to Wildlife Victoria, animal rescuers will attend to the animal if it is suspected to be a cruelty matter, the Conservation Regulator and Crimestoppers will be contacted and provided with data and evidence.
“That of course includes things like x-rays and green notes from our own veterinarians,” Ms Palma said.
“In this case, it was a native animal that doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world. They are unique to us and they are protected under legislation, specifically the Wildlife Act.
“For those of us living in areas like The Basin or anywhere in the outer suburbs of Melbourne, we need to deeply appreciate being able to live among our wildlife and understand that our native animals deserve to be treated with respect.”
In Victoria, the penalty for hunting, taking or destroying wildlife is $8,261 to $41,305 and up to 24 months imprisonment. The maximum penalty for aggravated cruelty to an animal is $92,460 and 24 months imprisonment.
Anyone with information about the two incidents is asked to make a confidential report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at crimestoppersvic.com.au
The Animal Emergency Centre in Glen Waverley was contacted for comment.
