Man fined for possessing over 700 frozen and taxidermied animals – Pet Industry News

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A Kyneton man has been convicted and fined $10,000 after more than 700 dead native animals were found at his home and antiques business.
The 74-year-old pleaded guilty in the Kyneton Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday to wildlife, pest animal and animal welfare charges. They included illegally possessing and selling wildlife, taking wildlife from the wild without authorisation and failing to meet animal welfare requirements.
The Magistrate noted the collection included a large number of iconic and endangered species and described the volume of offending as enormous.
“It is bewildering that a man of your intelligence and knowledge and love of wildlife would arrogantly flout the law so comprehensively,” the Magistrate said.
The Magistrate took into account the man’s age, previous good character, early guilty plea and limited financial capacity.
The case stems from search warrants executed by the Conservation Regulator at both properties in April 2025, as part of a major investigation into illegal wildlife trade. Over four days, investigators found taxidermied animals throughout the residence and business, and frozen animals stored across 14 freezers.
The man was charged in relation to more than 700 native birds, reptiles and mammals. Among them were 78 emus, 42 brushtail possums and 26 echidnas, along with the remains of threatened species including the barking owl, diamond python and Murray River short-necked turtle. The court heard the animals and remains were obtained and possessed without the licences or authorisations required under Victoria’s wildlife laws.
“The scale of offending in this case highlights why Victoria has strong protections in place for wildlife and animal welfare,” said Cal Heppell, Conservation Regulator Director of Regulatory Operations.
Investigators also found 15 live reptiles in enclosures, including native snakes and turtles, North American red-eared slider turtles and corn snakes. Six of the native reptiles were being kept in conditions that did not meet required animal welfare standards.
Red-eared sliders and corn snakes are classed as prohibited pest animals in Victoria, and keeping them without authorisation is illegal under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.
“Our laws and permit systems help protect wildlife from unlawful exploitation, ensure animals are appropriately cared for and safeguard Victoria’s environment and biodiversity from potential threats,” Heppell said.
All wildlife is protected in Victoria under the Wildlife Act 1975, and it is illegal to possess, take or destroy it without authorisation. Keeping or trading wildlife, alive or dead, requires either a Commercial Wildlife Licence or a Private Wildlife Licence.
“These requirements are not optional. Anyone who keeps, trades or possesses wildlife must comply with the law.”
Information about suspected wildlife crime should be reported to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.
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