THE Conservation Regulator and Victoria Police are seeking information from the public regarding the alleged shooting of two ringtail possums in The Basin area with homemade darts between November 13 2022 and January 10 2023.
The first possum was found dead by someone in the community on Augusta Road, The Basin, on the November 13 2022.
A second was reported injured in the same area on the January 10 2023 and taken to the Animal Emergency Centre in Mount Waverly for assessment where it was euthanised due to its injuries.
The Conservation Regulator is urging anyone with information about this incident to report it confidentially to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
In Victoria, all wildlife is protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 and it is illegal to hunt, take, destroy, injure or interfere with wildlife, and severe penalties apply.
The maximum penalty for hunting, taking or destroying wildlife ranges from $8261 to $41,305 and/or up to 24 months’ imprisonment.
The maximum penalty for an act of aggravated cruelty on any animal is $92,460 and/or 24 months’ imprisonment.
