More than 100 native animals from a Brisbane home in a case described by wildlife officers as “one of the worse they have seen”.
Police and wildlife officers searched the Toowong property last week, when they say they found at least 110 animals who had been mistreated and living in poor conditions.
Police obtained information that a wildlife carer had allegedly breached the conditions of their wildlife rehabilitation permit.
Eight-five of the 85 animals have been taken into care by the RSPCA; however, 67 of them have been euthanased as they had no chance of being rehabilitated and released back into the wild, Mr Christensen says.
RSPCA Queensland helped transport the animals to the Wildlife Hospital at Wacol for veterinary assessment and treatment.
“Wildlife officers and police searched the house in relation to a number of wildlife offences that were alleged to have been committed,” Mr Christensen says.
“Due to the poor conditions the animals were being kept in, we removed at least 110 animals from the property and requested the assistance of RSPCA Queensland to transport the living animals to their Wildlife Hospital at Wacol for veterinary assessment and treatment.
Twenty-five animals were found dead in freezers beneath the house and some of those were unable to be identified.
“Many of the living animals were suffering from illness or disease or were blind and could not be rehabilitated and released back to the wild.
“Many of the animals were being kept in small cages or enclosures inside the house without access to fresh air or sunlight.
“Our investigation has shown the person may be allowed to conduct native animal rehabilitation activities under a group rehabilitation permit, but it is clear the person had taken too many animals into care.”
List of seized animals include ringtail and brushtail possums, magpie, kookaburras, crow, rainbow lorikeets, pythons, turtles and eastern water dragons.
Mr Christensen says the RSPCA provided significant support during the operation, and the living animals were being assessed by vets at their Wacol facility.
“QPWS would like to thank the RSPCA and the QPS for their valuable assistance during this operation,” he said.
“It is sad, but we believe many of those animals will have to be euthanised due to their illness and disease.
“Wildlife carers must comply with strict animal welfare requirements under the Code of Practice Care of Sick, Injured or Orphaned Protected Animals in Queensland.
“As the environmental regulator, DES will take strong action against anyone operating unlawfully or putting the conservation or welfare of our native wildlife at risk.”
