Freshwater crocodile, dingoes among 40 animals seized from inner-north Melbourne home

Authorities have charged a man with 49 wildlife and cruelty offences after a crocodile and pythons were among 40 animals found at his property.

Victorians may want to think twice about getting to know their neighbours after a freshwater crocodile and dingoes were among dozens of protected animals allegedly illegally kept at a suburban property.

Authorities have charged a man from Melbourne’s inner-northern suburbs with 49 wildlife and cruelty offences following a home inspection in March 2021.

Upon entering the property, Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers allegedly found 40 protected animals at the address, which included 26 live, three recently deceased and 11 preserved bodies.

A freshwater crocodile was among the 40 animals seized from the property.

Among the species of animals allegedly kept at the home were dingoes, pythons, frogs, gliders, possums, barn owls, a lizard and a freshwater crocodile.

While the exact age and size of the crocodile isn’t known, males can grow up to three metres long while females grow to at least two metres.

The 37-year-old man is accused of committing five offences relating to the illegal possession of protected wildlife.

Additionally, he also faced charges for 44 offences for acts of cruelty, five of which were aggravated cruelty offences.

It’s alleged the majority of animals were living in horrid conditions, with their enclosures allegedly small, “filthy” and lacking food and water supply.

There was also insufficient heat, lighting or humidity control for reptiles and amphibians, which is required for their health and welfare.

“Keeping native birds, reptiles, and mammals as pets in Victoria is a privilege and there is no excuse for treating them with cruelty or neglect,” Andrew Johnstone, Regulatory Program Manager for the Port Phillip Region, said.

Several dingoes were also found at the property.

Officers seized 40 animals from the property, with 26 of those – who were still alive – taken to receive veterinary treatment.

Sadly two brush-tailed possums and one barn owl were later euthanised, while the remaining 23 animals were found to be in poor condition due to starvation or illness.

“The Conservation Regulator takes wildlife crime extremely seriously and will investigate all reports made to us or through Crime Stoppers Victoria,” Mr Johnstone said.

Penalties for failing to provide adequate veterinary treatment, food, drink or shelter under the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals Act 1986 can be costly or result in jail time.

“Offenders face penalties up to $48,077 and/or 12 months in jail for animal cruelty and up to $96,155 and/or two years in jail for aggravated animal cruelty for each charge,” a Conservation Regulator Victoria spokesman said.

“It is illegal to keep protected wildlife without an appropriate permit and carries a maximum penalty of $9615 under the Wildlife Act 1975.”

The case remains ongoing.

Anyone with information about alleged wildlife crime and illegal wildlife possession can report it to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.