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Daily Mail
10 hours ago
- Daily Mail
The bizarre vile act alleged wombat killer is accused of carrying out after mass wildlife slaughter
A young tradie accused of mowing down wombats in his ute and arranging them in odd positions has been arrested. Daily Mail can reveal Tyson Michael Delbridge, of Fish Creek in Victoria's South Gippsland region, has been charged over the alleged attack on one of Australia's most beloved native animals. The charges follow an extensive investigation into the deaths by the Conservation Regulator and Victoria Police. In February, the department branded the alleged slaughter in Gippsland's Venus Bay 'a senseless and deliberate act of animal cruelty'. Chief Conservation Regulator Kate Gavens said at the time that wildlife cruelty was unacceptable and the organisation will investigate and seek prosecution for serious incidents. 'The Conservation Regulator takes wildlife cruelty seriously, and I encourage the public to report any information about wildlife crime to Crime Stoppers,' she added. Investigators had been on the hunt for the alleged wombat killer for months, with the charges bringing some relief to the outraged local community. News of the arrest was welcomed by South Gippsland Deputy Mayor and Venus Bay local, Sarah Gilligan. 'It's been a very long seven months for the community of Venus Bay after the horrific [alleged] slaughter of too many beloved wombats,' she told the Daily Mail. 'This was a deliberate attack on community values and I'm thrilled to see the office of conservation regulator and police following through.' Delbridge, who also faces serious driving charges related to a separate matter, was charged with 20 offences by Victoria's Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. The morning after the attack, Venus Bay local Mark Radley inspected the bodies of the wombats, which he said were covered in tyre marks and arranged in artificial positions on the side of the road, The Age reported. 'The general feeling in Venus Bay, of which the majority of residents are nature lovers, is one of relief and also hope that justice will be served,' he said. The alleged crime turned local community members into sleuths, with people sharing information updates on social media in the hunt for the alleged perpetrator. A poll on one page asked readers if anyone convicted of killing wombats should have their vehicle confiscated. The response saw 60 per cent of those who participated suggest a convicted offender's car should be seized and crushed. Sources told the Daily Mail that up to three cars were believed to have been in the area when the wombats were killed. The bodies were found by disturbed locals who took them to the side of the road. At least one of the victims had a joey, which survived and was taken to a wildlife shelter. 'Some were already lined up before we got there, like an undertaker had been there,' a source said. 'Whoever did this deserves jail. A diversion would be an insult to all involved. This is an opportunity to send a strong message.' It is not the first time wombats have been killed in the area, with some locals suspecting more were deliberately killed just after Christmas last year. Those found guilty of cruelty to wildlife face massive fines and up to two years behind bars. Delbridge is set to appear in a country Victoria court in October. Anyone with information on the attack should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Yahoo
Australian man faces 20 charges after alleged events in quiet holiday town
After an extensive investigation into the deaths of wild animals in a quiet Australian seaside town, a man is facing 20 charges. It's understood they relate to an alleged incident in February when residents of Venus Bay discovered the bodies of up to nine wombats. Police and Victoria's Conservation Regulator began investigating the deaths during the summer and announced a South Gippsland man had been charged today under the Wildlife Act and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. They will allege the deaths represent 'a senseless and deliberate act of animal cruelty'. Located on the Bass Coast, the ordinarily quiet village is a world away from nearby bustling Inverloch and Phillip Island, where the population swells from around 14,000 to 40,000 over the summer. Because it hasn't been developed like neighbouring suburbs, it's known for its wildlife, and ahead of the summer, residents placed homemade wombat warning signs in their front yards, asking tourists to slow down. How do I respond if I witness wildlife crime? Under Victoria's Wildlife Act, it is illegal to kill or harm wildlife without a permit. Conservation Regulator chief Kate Gavens said her agency, which sits within the Department of Environment (DEECA) takes wildlife crime 'seriously'. 'Wildlife cruelty is unacceptable. [The] Conservation Regulator will investigate and seek prosecution for serious cases of wildlife cruelty,' she said. New $48 million national park announced to save iconic Aussie animals Wild photo shows hidden danger in mud Amazing footage shows native 1kg predator killing rats Anyone with information about wildlife crime is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Reports can be made anonymously. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
News.com.au
09-05-2025
- News.com.au
Two men charged for allegedly running down kangaroo with car in Melbourne suburb
Two men have been charged for allegedly running down a kangaroo in an outer Melbourne suburb. Police allege the two men deliberately drove along Hallam North Road in Lysterfield South and into a group of kangaroos about 10.20pm on April 23. One of the kangaroos died at the scene. Footage of the moment the men allegedly hit the kangaroos was captured on CCTV cameras, before getting out of the car and handling the lifeless animal. The two men, a 22-year-old from Scorseby and a 20-year-old from Ringwood, were arrested police executed a search warrant on their residential properties in conjunction with officers from the Conservation Regulator. Officers were filmed seizing several items from the properties, including a Nissan Patrol, which was towed from the property. Both men have been charged with aggravated cruelty to animals and destroying protected wildlife. They will appear at Dandenong Magistrates' Court on August 19.
ABC News
21-04-2025
- Health
- ABC News
Wildlife carers want funding to help rising number of injured animals
In a shed at the back of Nikki Shanahan's Ballarat home, two bandaged koalas are curled up in enclosures while an injured wedge-tailed eagle moves around its cage restlessly. Inside the comfort of her living room, a baby wombat joey sits quietly, swaddled in a blanket. This is Shanhaven Wildlife: a shelter for native animals that doubles as a veterinary hospital where Ms Shanahan treats and rehabilitates critically sick and injured wildlife. But like many wildlife carers she is not only donating her time, expertise and property to the cause. She is also spending her own money. "I would spend roughly $10,000 a year on wildlife care, not including specialised equipment and shelter upgrades or repairs," she said. Ms Shanahan, who has a long career as a veterinarian nurse, said while grants were available for wildlife carers through the state environment department (DEECA), more direct funding was needed. "Yes, we can apply for grants, but the application process is longwinded," she said. "I haven't got time to sit down and write pages and pages of essays of information for funding." Carers down, injured animals up According Conservation Regulator data, the number of wildlife carers in Victoria has plummeted from 449 in 2019/20 to 172 last financial year. Wildlife Victoria reports having more than 1,300 registered volunteers. Ms Shanahan said out-of-pocket costs and a lack of government funding would dissuade many from joining the ranks. The number of wildlife injured in Victoria is on the rise. ( ABC Ballarat: Claudia Forsberg ) At the same time, Ms Shanahan said more native animals were being brought into vet clinics and wildlife shelters than ever before. Wildlife Victoria data backs this up — in 2020, its emergency response service received about 100,000 calls. Last year, it received more than 160,000, with over 97,000 native animals getting assistance. Photo shows a woman holds a lizard and smiles at the camera. Having a house filled with joeys or a backyard of native birds might sound wonderful, but there can be a darker side to caring for animals. Wildlife Victoria was not available for comment. Ms Shanahan said not all injured or sick animals could be looked at by professionals and that some were falling through the gaps due to a lack of available carers. "Very often [they] get left to die," she said. Trying to find a solution In Victoria, all wildlife shelters must be registered with DEECA. Individual carers are then registered to a shelter and work on a volunteer basis, with the option to register on Wildlife Victoria's database. DEECA did not respond to direct questions, but a spokesperson said its wildlife carers and volunteers "do incredible work in helping to respond, rehabilitate and care for our sick, injured and orphaned wildlife". The spokesperson also said the Victorian government was investing $7.2 million over the next four years to bolster wildlife welfare, including $4.7 million for a new wildlife hospital in Victoria's south-west run by Zoos Victoria. An orphaned brushtail possum is cared for by rescuers. ( ABC News: Sean Warren ) Vets under the pump Michelle Campbell-Ward is an Australian Veterinary Conservation Biology executive committee member and Wildlife Health Australia board member. She said wildlife care was not funded or resourced to the level society expected and that animal welfare needs were not being met. "This sector has been volunteer led for decades and veterinary hospitals are generally providing care to injured wildlife on a pro bono basis," Dr Campbell-Ward said. Michelle Campbell-Ward says carers need funding to meet expectations. ( Supplied: Taronga Western Plains Zoo ) "For wildlife carers it can be an expensive undertaking, particularly to do it well and to adhere to appropriate standards. "There's a need for increased funding and facilities and to recognise the importance of this work." Home base Photo shows A wombat joey sleeps surrounded by a pink blanket. Wildlife rescuers are calling on snow-goers to take extra care when driving to Victoria's alpine resorts amid a spike in wildlife casualties. Ms Shanahan and other wildlife rescuers and veterinary workers in Ballarat have created a not-for-profit organisation to raise funds and build a wildlife hospital in the regional centre. No hospital like this exists in regional Victoria and the project remains a way off completion. "It's a lot and also out of our own pocket, but we're hoping one day that changes," Ms Shanahan said. In the meantime, wildlife carers in Ballarat will continue to help with the care and rescue of animals in Ballarat and surrounding regional areas. "We are all trying our best to do what we're doing," she said. " It's a heartbreaking job but someone's got to do it. "
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Travelling Aussie influencers delete video of 'abhorrent' koala trick after backlash
A couple travelling around Australia have pulled down a controversial guide on how to coax koalas down from trees and take selfies with them. Their decision to delete the video came after the nation's largest rescue group called it 'abhorrent' and warned anyone copying their behaviour risked severe injury. The NSW-based travellers advertised their DIY six-step video as a "foolproof process" to avoid expensive wildlife parks. It shows the man using his "secret" trick to encourage a koala high in a tree down to the ground, and his partner then petting it and posing for selfies. The couple behind the stunt told Yahoo News they "were just playing around". In Victoria where the video was filmed, interfering with a koala without a permit can carry a fine of up to $46,154 and/or two years in jail. Unlike tame animals in wildlife parks, forcing close encounters with their wild cousins can cause stress even if it's not immediately apparent. After watching the video, the Conservation Regulator, which sits within the Department of Environment, said, 'We need to let wildlife be wild. Disrupting the natural behaviour of wildlife can contribute to them losing their fear of humans or becoming dependent on humans for food. It can also be dangerous for koalas to be down on the ground where they are at risk of injury.' Videos featuring humans interacting with wildlife can be harmful to everyone involved. This was highlighted in a 2022 viral video that showed a well-meaning Gold Coast woman being attacked by a koala after she tried to move it from a motorway. A year later, tourists were discovered feeding a koala leaves prompting local experts to warn, 'They may look cute and cuddly, but they have sharp teeth that are like a vice. And the claws are like razor blades.' For wildlife advocates, it's an issue that extends well beyond fluffy marsupials. Conservationist Bob Irwin has been a vocal supporter of tough penalties for people who take risks while taking selfies with crocodiles. In Queensland, wildlife cowboys have filmed themselves trying to emulate his late son, Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin, by picking up Australia's deadliest land snake species. The video begins with the couple locating the koala in the Otways, in Southern Victoria. A man then uses his 'secret' trick to coax the koala down. It warns viewers to stand by in case of attack and then shows a woman gaining 'close contact' and petting the animal. Yahoo News has opted not to describe the method used in the video, as it can induce stress in koalas. One of the travellers who uploaded the clip said he was surprised by the attention, and the close encounter was unexpected, as they were just experimenting with different methods to 'get the koalas' attention'. 'They'd turn their heads… and then this one just started coming down the tree, which was a big surprise,' he said. At least three experts were familiar with the specific methods used to engage with the wild koala, saying it was only ever used as a last resort to capture sick or injured animals. The video was removed after Yahoo News advised the couple of the concerns raised by WIRES. Koalas are not as dangerous as venomous snakes or crocodiles, but like kangaroos, they are able to inflict devastating wounds. And that's a key reason Dr Tania Bishop, the head vet at WIRES animal rescue service, was troubled by the influencer couple's video. 'It's step one, step two, step three. It looks very much like they're trying to show people a method of summoning a wild koala and to me, that's the most horrifying thing. Why would you post something like that?' she said. Bishop still carries scars from a koala bite in the muscle of her right hand, and she's seen members of the public also wounded. 'What looks like them reaching up for help is actually them preparing to do a big swipe. They see us as natural predators, they're frightened of us, and that's what worries me when I see videos like this,' she said. There's one particular moment in the clip, when Bishop believes the woman risked being scalped by the koala. 'When she's taking a selfie, if that koala was frightened of her being in its way and in its territory,... there's every reason it could have dug her teeth or claws into her head.' 🪴 Aussie woman watches as garden ruined by rare intruders 🚨 Unprecedented bird flu shift leaves experts 'deeply concerned' 📸 Aussie animal not seen in 60 years filmed in creek Koalas usually only approach people if they are injured and in need of help, or have been raised in human care and are struggling to adjust to the wild. Concerns about the conduct in the video were first raised by Queensland-based wildlife biologist Ellie Sursara. She'd received several messages from koala rescuers around Australia, worried about the welfare of the animal it featured. 'It's symptomatic of the climate right now for wildlife and travel Instagram content, and whether or not the boundaries are being pushed purposefully for the views, and I think they are,' Susara said. 'There's a real lack of accountability for that kind of content. They're not often reported or even looked at properly by Meta (Instagram's parent account), so they're just floating out there. And there are a lot of creators who gain lots of followers from videos like this, so it makes sense there are copycats.' Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
