FOLLOWING community outrage in Venus Bay, a South Gippsland man has been charged with 20 offences under the Wildlife Act 1975 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 for alleged conduct leading to the deaths of up to nine wombats in Venus Bay.
The charges follow an extensive investigation by the Conservation Regulator and Victoria Police into the deaths which occurred at Venus Bay on Tuesday February 18 this year, with the incident alleged to be “a senseless and deliberate act of animal cruelty".
All wildlife in Victoria is protected under the Wildlife Act 1975.
It is illegal to hunt, take, destroy, injure, or interfere with wildlife without authorisation.
The Conservation Regulator urges anyone with information about wildlife cruelty to report it to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or by visiting crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Reports can be made anonymously.
