Crime Stoppers Victoria is sending a message to owners of illegal exotic pets to surrender these animals now or risk getting caught.
The ‘Your Pet, Our Pest’ campaign encourages owners of illegal exotic pets to voluntarily surrender their animals at one of four new surrender locations: Second Chance Animal Rescue in Craigieburn, the Bird and Exotic Animal Clinic in Williamstown North, RSPCA Burwood East and RSPCA Peninsula.
These organisations are offering a no-questions-asked policy when accepting exotic animal surrenders.
Adam Kay, biosecurity manager at Agriculture Victoria, warns “The illegal trade of exotic pests threatens Victoria’s ecosystem and biosecurity. These animals are often stolen or bred under inhumane conditions. If smuggled into Australia without appropriate quarantine, they have the potential to carry diseases like rabies that can spread to local wildlife, pets, and even humans.”
“Online marketplaces have made it easier for traffickers to sell exotic pest animals illegally, putting many Victorians at risk of unknowingly purchasing these animals and committing an offence.
“With ongoing investigations into the illegal exotic animal trade network and several related cases before the courts, now is the best time for owners to surrender any illegal exotic pets before getting caught.”
Penalties for illegally importing, keeping, breeding, or trading exotic pests can reach up to $95,000.
Illegal exotic pets can be surrendered anonymously. For more information about surrendering your illegal exotic pet and for surrender locations visit crimestoppersvic.com.au
If you know someone who has an illegal exotic pet or someone who is involved in the trade of illegal exotic animals, let Crime Stoppers Victoria know. You can report anonymously online or by calling 1800 333 000.
