Man charged over mass poisoning of wedge-tailed eagles in East Gippsland

A MAN is facing potential jail time after being charged over the mass poisoning of protected wedge-tailed eagles in East Gippsland.

A MAN is facing potential jail time after being charged over the mass poisoning of protected wedge-tailed eagles in East Gippsland.

Department of Environment Land Water and Planning investigators confirmed two charges have been laid over the bird poisoning deaths in Tubbut between October 2016 and April 2017.

The wedge-tailed eagle death toll reached 137 in June — the largest mass death of its type in Victoria’s history.

But it has been reported the death toll is likely closer to 400 as locals farmers suggest the carcasses of many more birds will never be found.

A man has been charged over the poisoning of more than 100 wedge-tailed eagles in East Gippsland. Picture: Supplied/DELWP

Authorities allege the man killed the birds using bait laced with poison.

He was charged and bailed on September 11.

A condition of his bail required he surrender his passport to “ensure his appearance before a court”.

Wedge-tailed eagles are a protected species.

Under the Wildlife Act 1975, deliberate killings carry a maximum penalty of $7,928.50, and up to six months’ imprisonment.

The dead birds were found after staff conducted extensive searches at several properties in East Gippsland.

A Tubbut property owner refused to answer questions over the eagle deaths when contacted by The Weekly Times in July.

Investigations into the mass bird deaths are ongoing.
DELWP investigators are continuing to forensically examine evidence seized during property searches.

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@AneekaSimonis