A live echidna will be returned to its home and two people have been charged with a string of offences following the search of a property near Marburg.
Subscribe now for unlimited access to all our agricultural news
across the nation
or signup to continue reading
During a search at a Prenzlau address on August 17, police from State Crime Command’s Firearms and Cannabis Team located a number of weapons including four “pen guns” and a shortened .22 rifle, as well as a live female echidna and a carpet python.
A 29-year-old man has been charged with 12 offences including unlawful possession of category H, A and R weapons, possessing a shortened firearm, manufacturing weapons, possessing a dangerous drug, and offences relating to the restriction on keeping or using protected animal class 1 and class 4.
A 30-year-old man has been charged with unlawful possession of a category H weapon, manufacturing a weapon, possessing utensil, and restriction of keeping protected animal class 1 and class 4 offences.
Both will appear in the Ipswich Magistrates Court on September 13.
Detective Inspector Lance Vercoe said they believed it was the first time a person has been charged in Queensland for keeping a class 1 protected animal under the Nature Conservation Act.
“Our officers are used to locating weapons and drugs, but this was certainly a surprise for them,” he said.
Wildlife officers from the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection moved the animal to a safe facility with the aim of releasing it back into the wild.
Environment Minister Steven Miles said stealing an echidna carried the highest penalty someone could receive for a wildlife-related crime in the state.
“Stealing an echidna from its natural habitat is considered a Class 1 offence against section 88 of the Nature Conservation Act and carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison or a fine of $378,450,” Mr Miles said.
“Thankfully, due to the great teamwork between Queensland Police Service and our wildlife officers, this echidna has been moved to a safe facility, with the aim of releasing it back into the wild where it belongs.”
The Environment Minister said the aim in these situations was always to release the protected animals into the wild.
“But this may not be possible if there is a risk of the animals spreading diseases into wild populations, or where the original source of the animals in unknown,” Mr Miles said.
“Unfortunately in this case, the re-releasing of this snake is not an option, but we hope the echidna can be rehabilitated.”
In Queensland, all native animals are protected and taking or possessing them without a permit is against the law.
“Many native Australian animals are commercially attractive and the illegal take and trade of them is a significant issue across Australia and internationally,” Mr Miles said.
“EHP will continue to take strong action against people who deal unlawfully with protected wildlife, and will continue to cooperate with QPS.
“If you’re thinking of keeping native wildlife it’s very important to be sure that you deal with a licensed provider and that you have all the necessary permits.”
In 2016 EHP successfully prosecuted two matters relating to offences under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and subordinate legislation.
Both of those matters related to wildlife offences with penalties imposed of $5000 and $2728.
Members of the public are encouraged to report incidents of wildlife related crime or incidences where they believe wildlife related crime has occurred.
If you witness or suspect an offence to wildlife, you can notify the department via a wildlife complaint form.
Reports can also be made to EHP by ringing 1300 130 372 or through Crime Stoppers.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.
