Three charged over death of fox at Harry Triguboff’s Vaucluse home
Three people have been charged with animal cruelty over the drowning of a fox at the Vaucluse home of billionaire developer Harry Triguboff. The group will face court after a RSCPA investigation.
NSW
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Three people have been charged with animal cruelty over the death of a fox at the eastern suburbs home of billionaire developer Harry Triguboff.
The Daily Telegraph revealed in April the RSPCA was investigating after a fox apparently drowned in a pool at Mr Triguboff’s harbour front home in Vaucluse.
Three people have now been charged over the death of the animal — Elizabeth Cunningham, believed to be a house manager, a landscape worker Stuart Rech and Daniel Horan who is employed at Triguboff’s development firm Meriton.
Mr Triguboff is not accused of any wrongdoing and his lawyer Joseph Callaghan said yesterday Australia’s third wealthiest man was out at the time the fox died.
“Mr Triguboff was not home at the time of the incident. Those involved were referred to the RSPCA and I understand they have each co-operated completely with investigators. What happens from here is a matter for the court,” Mr Callaghan said.
The RSPCA confirmed “the matter has proceeded to charging and is before the court”.
It is understood the trio have been handed court attendance notices to attend Waverley Local Court next month.
The Telegraph also understands someone at the home called a zoo and a vet in an attempt to have the fox removed safely after if was caught running wild on the sprawling property.
Foxes are considered pests in NSW and it is now illegal to keep them as pets. In rural areas they can be poisoned, shot and trapped.
The Department of Primary Industries says urban environments can support population densities up to 10 times greater than in rural areas.
Sydney’s fox population has flourished as widespread baiting programs pose too great a risk to domestic pets. This is despite their devastating effect on native species.
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Rats breeding in plague proportions throughout the city have also ensured plenty of prey for foxes.
Mr Triguboff, 86, who did not know about the incident involving the fox until after its death, was No. 2 on this year’s Forbes list of Australia’s richest people.
His net worth was listed as $9 billion, due largely to the success of serviced apartments and development giant Meriton. Mining magnate Gina Rinehart, 65, was well in front with a net worth of $14.8 billion. Property records show Mr Triguboff bought his Vaucluse home for $5.5 million in 1990.