Source : Perth Now news
A man who allegedly kept a menagerie of exotic pets including snakes, tortoises, turtles and iguanas in a suburban home is facing potential jail time.
Police seized 44 animals during a search of the property at Colyton, in western Sydney, on March 23.
The search revealed rooms of terrariums and boxes in which the animals were kept, including at least one large outdoor turtle tank, the National Environmental Protection Agency said on Thursday.
Among the animals were several listed under an international convention to prevent the trade of endangered animals, including Hermann’s tortoises, red-footed tortoises, green iguanas, Burmese pythons, boa constrictors and ball pythons.
Other invasive species seized during the raid, including pit vipers, California kingsnakes, corn snakes and red-eared slider turtles, have been identified as noxious and invasive around the world.
The majority of seized reptiles were humanely euthanised due to unacceptable biosecurity risks, with just four tortoises expected to be rehomed.
All of the animals, if released, could seriously impact native species populations and habitats.
It is illegal to possess animals listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora without the right permit.
The man faces 14 charges for possession of illegally imported animals or their progeny, a NEPA spokesperson said.
Under Commonwealth environmental law, people convicted of these offences can face up to five years in prison, fines of up to $364,000, or both.
It is also illegal to import species that are not on the Commonwealth Live Import List or to possess those species, although permits can be granted for research and exhibition purposes.
Established in June, the national EPA works with Australian and international partners including state police and Border Force to disrupt the illegal trade of animals.
The agency’s head of compliance and enforcement, Dani Yannopoulos, said anyone who unlawfully kept exotic wildlife as pets could find themselves in court.
“Imported animals such as snakes and turtles can pose a threat to Australia’s precious wildlife and can have a devastating impact on our biodiversity,” she said.
“These charges are a reminder that illegally possessing exotic animals, even if you didn’t import them, is a serious crime.”
