WARNING: DISTRESSING IMAGE. Driver runs over nest, kills baby bird at Cape Bridgewater
Authorities are appealing for help to track down a reckless driver who drove through a coastal nesting area and killed a protected baby bird.
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Authorities are hunting for heartless party-goers who drove through protected nesting areas in Victoria’s southwest at the weekend and killed a baby bird.
The Conservation Regulator on Wednesday appealed to the public to help find those responsible.
It is believed a vehicle was driven along the beach at Cape Bridgewater - about 20km southwest of Portland - either on Saturday night or early Sunday morning.
A person or people then drove through hooded plover habitat and nesting areas, killing a chick.
Birdlife Australia volunteers discovered the destruction and notified the Conservation Regulator on Sunday.
It is investigating whether there was a celebration or after party on the beach at the time of the incident.
Hooded plovers are a protected species under the Wildlife Act 1975.
It is illegal to hunt, take, destroy, injure, or interfere with them or their habitats and severe penalties apply to those who breach the act.
Wildlife hunting, taking, or destruction carries a maximum penalty of between $8200 and $41,000 or between six and 24 months in prison.
Acts of aggravated cruelty on any animal carry a maximum charge of over $90,000 and/or 24 months’ imprisonment.
Damage, disturbance, or destruction of wildlife habitats is also prohibited, as is interfering with wildlife protection signs.
People found doing so can be fined more than $9000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or head to crimestoppersvic.com.au to submit a confidential report.
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