Man avoids jail time for animal cruelty after killing spotted-tail quoll by stabbing in the head

A man who trapped and killed a spotted-tail quoll, stabbing it in the head twice with a makeshift spear, has avoided time behind bars.

A MAN who trapped a spotted-tail quoll and stabbed it in the head with a makeshift spear before dumping its body in a wheelie bin has avoided time in jail.

Late last year, Stowport man Toby Reuben Lamprey was convicted in the Burnie Magistrates Court of taking specially protected wildlife without a permit and aggravated animal cruelty.

According to a Supreme Court of Tasmania judgment, Lamprey used a grinder to sharpen the end of a length of reinforcing bar, creating a spear, and stabbing it on two occasions.

Then 54, Lamprey told police he trapped the quoll because he believed it had killed his chickens.

A veterinarian later told Magistrate Leanne Topfer the quoll would have endured “an extremely high degree of physical pain”.

spotted-tail quoll. PICTURE: STEWART McLEAN

Lamprey was fined $500 for his crimes, which he committed on February 14 last year.

But the Director of Public Prosecutions appealed, arguing that punishment was “manifestly inadequate”.

Upholding the appeal, Justice Michael Brett said Lamprey’s actions demonstrated “a persistent callousness and a high degree of cruelty”.

“His actions were planned and deliberate, and it is clear that he intended to inflict significant harm or death on the animal in a cruel way by preparing the makeshift spear,” he said.

However, Justice Brett said Lamprey had a lack of relevant prior convictions, had acted out of character and had pleaded guilty at an early stage.

He also said it was “extremely unlikely” he would commit a similar offence again.

Justice Brett set aside the original sentence, re-sentencing Lamprey with the same $500 fine, but adding a wholly-suspended three months sentence of imprisonment.

Spotted-tail quolls are protected, native animals and listed as a vulnerable species in Tasmania.

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