Wombat slaughter: Environment Department says no animals are still buried alive underground

NO wombats are trapped alive and in need of rescuing from a Murraylands property, according to two animal experts who visited the scene of the horrifying burial this week.

Brigitte Stevens with Bear, the wombat who she rescued after being shot. Pic: Calum Robertson

NO wombats are trapped alive and in need of rescuing from a Murraylands property, according to two animal experts who visited the scene of the horrifying burial this week.

The Environment Department today released a statement in the wake of fears wombats were still buried alive at a Sandleton property, after nine dead ones were removed last week.

It comes after The Advertiser reported that Brigitte Stevens had raised concerns with the department on August 11 of the senseless slaughter at the property.

She estimated at least 30 warrens had been destroyed and up to 10 dead wombats were at the property in what she described as one of the worst cases of animal cruelty.

The department said a university-based wombat ecologist and a Zoos SA veterinarian had visited the site and determined there were no wombats alive in warrens.

“The experts viewed at least 30 warrens in the area that was ripped, and said there was clear evidence of current wombat activity at these warrens including scratchings and fresh scats,” the statement said.

“Zoos SA Senior Veterinarian Ian Smith said unless the animals were significantly injured they would have been able to easily dig themselves out of the disturbed ground, and any entrapment would have been fleeting.”

Ms Stevens, who rescued a wombat with a bashed-up face from the property on August 11, said the animal was still being hand fed and two bullets found in the animal could not be removed.

“One is really close to the heart and surgery is not an option,” she said.

“He’s going to have to have dental work to fix up his face to be able to graze and eat properly.

“It’s a long process for him, but at the moment it’s about getting him stabilised.”

The department said an investigation into the incident was ongoing and a statement would be issued at its conclusion.

The cause of death of the nine wombats recovered from the property would be determined as part of the investigation.

The maximum penalty for destroying a Southern Hairy Nose Wombat without a permit is $2,500 or six months imprisonment, with the court’s jurisdiction to impose additional penalties if more than one animal is involved.