More than 100 native animals and 25 carcasses have been seized from a Brisbane home in one of the worst cases conservationists have seen.
A multi-agency compliance operation was launched last week at the Toowong address after Queensland Police received information indicating that a wildlife keeper had violated the terms of their wildlife rehabilitation permit.
Warren Christensen, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service compliance officer, said at least 110 animals had to be removed from the site due to the poor conditions in which the animals were kept.
RSPCA Queensland helped transport the animals to the Wildlife Hospital in Wacol for veterinary assessment and treatment.
“Unfortunately, 25 deceased animals were found in freezers under the house and some of them could not be identified,” he said.
“Many of the living animals suffered from disease or disease or were blind and could not be rehabilitated and released back into the wild.
“It’s sad. We believe many of those animals will have to be euthanized because of their illness and disease.”
Mr Christensen said the conditions in which the animals were kept were not in accordance with legal requirements and may have violated the Animal Care and Protection Act.
“Many of the animals were kept in small cages or enclosures in the house with no access to fresh air or sunlight,” he said.
“Our investigation has shown that the person is allowed to carry out indigenous rehabilitation activities under a group rehabilitation permit, but it is clear that the person has taken in too many animals.”
A wide variety of live animals were seized, including possums, birds, snakes and the vulnerable phascogale species, a small marsupial.
Under the Nature Conservancy Act, caretakers and conservation organizations must be licensed to rehabilitate sick, injured or orphaned protected animals so that they can be released back into the wild.
Mr Christensen said the Department of Environment and Science will take firm action against anyone acting unlawfully or endangering the conservation and welfare of native wildlife.
The police investigation is underway.
