Antiques dealer fined $10,000 for over 700 dead native animals
An antiques dealer was fined $10,000 for illegally storing over 700 dead native animals.
Wildlife police raided the Kyneton antiques store and home of a 74-year-old dealer in April 2025. Over 700 dead native birds, reptiles and mammals were discovered during the operation.
The remains included 78 stuffed emus, 42 brushtail possums and 26 echidnas. Police also found threatened species: barking owls, diamond pythons and Murray River short-necked turtles.
The dealer had 15 live reptiles in enclosures. Six were kept in conditions that did not meet animal welfare standards.
He pleaded guilty to having and selling animals illegally. He took animals from the wild without permission.
He also broke animal welfare rules. A magistrate called his conduct shocking and fined him $10,000.
- 78 emus, 42 brushtail possums, 26 echidnas
- Specific counts
- $10,000
- Fine imposed
Why it mattersWildlife protection laws carry serious fines and prosecution. This stops illegal trafficking and uncontrolled collection of endangered species.
AustraliaVictoria's protected species are safeguarded by enforcement against unlicensed collection and sale, strengthening conservation protections in regional areas.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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