The Department of Environment and Science (DES) is warning the public that unlawful wildlife activity committed anywhere in Australia will not be tolerated in Queensland and could result in the removal of animals and cancellation of wildlife permits.
This follows the recent cancellation of an Advanced Native Animal Licence held by a 24-year-old North Lakes man convicted of one count each of take/interfere with protected wildlife, take/interfere with threatened wildlife and access to parks and reserves in the Northern Territory earlier this year.
Wildlife Compliance Program Coordinator at DES, Warren Christensen said as a result of this matter, DES reviewed the man’s Queensland licence, which he held under the Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulation 202o, allowing him to keep protected animals in Queensland.
“Following this investigation, DES found that the man was not a fit and proper person to hold an animal authority and issued a cancellation notice,” Mr Christensen said.
“As a result of this cancellation, the man will not be able to keep any protected wildlife in Queensland for a minimum of three years.”
Mr Christensen said the outcome of the investigation sent a strong message that DES would not hesitate to take strong action against those who committed wildlife-related offences.
“If people who hold licences, permits or other types of protected animal authorities in Queensland are found guilty of wildlife offences in other States, we will take action to ensure they cannot keep protected animals, it’s as simple as that,” Mr Christensen said.
“If you pose a threat to protected species, regardless of where you have committed such an offence, you will be investigated and we will take strong action.”
He said the outcome of the investigation was an example of effective cross-jurisdictional cooperation and a commitment to protect native wildlife from poaching wherever it occurred within Australia.
