Gippsland man charged after nine wombat deaths

Authorities have charged a man with 20 offences for alleged conduct leading to the deaths of up to nine wombats earlier this year.

A South Gippsland man has been charged after alleged conduct leading to the deaths of nine wombats in February in Venus Bay. Picture: File (Ian Currie)

A South Gippsland man has been charged after alleged conduct leading to the deaths of nine wombats in Venus Bay in February.

On February 19, Inverloch police asked for the public’s assistance in identifying person(s) involved after discovering deceased wombats on various roads, and wanted to speak to drivers of 4WD’s seen in the area in the late hours of the previous day.

“Approximately 10 wombats have been discovered deceased on various roads predominantly in the first estate,” a police spokesperson said at the time.

“Police are keen to speak in particular with the driver’s of three 4WDs seen in the area between 10pm and 11pm.”

The charges follow an investigation by the Conservation Regulator at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and Victoria Police, who allege the conduct “represents a senseless and deliberate act of animal cruelty”.

The man has been charged with 20 offences under the Wildlife Act 1975 and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.

“Wildlife cruelty is unacceptable. Conservation Regulator will investigate and seek prosecution for serious cases of wildlife cruelty,” chief conservation regulator Kate Gavens said today.

“The Conservation Regulator takes wildlife cruelty seriously and I encourage the public to report any information about wildlife crime to Crime Stoppers.”

The Conservation Regulator urges anyone with information about wildlife cruelty to report it to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Gippsland man charged after nine wombat deaths