Latest news with #SuzanneStrapp
ABC News
08-08-2025
- General
- ABC News
Fears injured wildlife suffering with shortage of WA animal control agents
South West West Australian wildlife groups say a lack of qualified people to euthanase injured animals is causing needless suffering, with police forced to step in. Warning: This story contains details of animal injuries that some readers may find distressing. Wildlife care group FAWNA president Suzanne Strapp said animal control agents and volunteers accredited to legally destroy injured kangaroos by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) were in short supply. "In one case, one of our veteran carers reported a kangaroo with a broken leg, but when she went back the next day, the animal was still alive and foxes had eaten its tail," she said. "She said it was one of the most disturbing things she had seen in 40 years of [rehabilitating wildlife]." Ms Strapp said FAWNA did not have accredited agents who could destroy an animal, requiring the group to contact the Department's Wildcare Helpline. The volunteer-run helpline takes about 10,000 calls each year from members of the public who find sick or injured animals. For injured kangaroos, the helpline then contacts animal control agents to euthanase the animals. However, Ms Strapp said past experiences had taught them they needed to check on the animal the next day to make sure it had been euthanased. Australind Police Station Acting Officer in Charge Grant Earnshaw said officers were often the only people available after hours. "We mainly do it on the weekends or after hours because during the day, the rangers are the people who deal with it, however, they don't work 24/7 like we do," Sergeant Earnshaw said. Mr Earnshaw said officers had educated themselves on how best to destroy the animals. "It's not in formal training, but it's recognised obviously by staff that that's what we do regularly," he said. "There are photographs in the station of different animals like a cow, a horse, or a kangaroo with the best angles [to shoot at] to put an animal down." Margaret River Wildlife Management owner Michael Penrose was an animal control agent for 12 years. Mr Penrose said changes to firearm laws in June 2024 had made volunteering as an animal control agent (ACA) difficult. Stipulations about needing written permission from property owners to shoot kangaroos made him concerned that he would break the law if he euthanased an animal by the road. "Once new laws came in, we had to get permission from the property owner to be able to euthanase kangaroos on their property," Mr Penrose said. "We had to have the property owner's details, a written letter sent to confirm all the details were on the register, and that we were registered on the property to use that firearm." "It's not just myself, it's left every other ACA in the region frustrated." Mr Penrose said he had seen members of the public try to euthanase wildlife themselves and put the animal through unnecessary suffering as a result. "Trying to help the animal, people will use whatever blunt object they can to try and euthanase the animal from suffering," he said. "They could be charged with animal cruelty despite trying to euthanase it as quickly as possible." A DBCA spokesperson told the ABC the responsibility for managing injured wildlife was shared between government agencies, volunteers and land managers. There are 85 volunteer animal control agents registered with DCBA.
ABC News
17-07-2025
- General
- ABC News
Fauna protections on $1.46b Wilman Wadandi Highway not working, rescuers say
Wildlife rescuers in Western Australia's South West say flawed design and construction of fauna protection measures along the Wilman Wadandi Highway are putting animals and motorists at risk. In a bid to accommodate wild kangaroos, the $1.46 billion road features fauna underpasses and 64,200 metres of fauna fencing. There are also 19 rope bridges built for the passage of endangered western ringtail possums. Animal care group FAWNA president, Suzanne Strapp, said the group had responded to "countless" calls about injured kangaroos and echidnas since the highway opened in December 2024. The rescuers described the underpasses as dangerous because they were dual use culverts that allowed animals to come up onto the four lane highway before reaching the other side of the road. The state's transport authority has defended the highway's "comprehensive suite" of wildlife protection infrastructure. A Main Roads WA spokesperson said consultation on the plans came from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and were approved by the state and federal environmental protection authorities. Monitoring involved more than 50 cameras recording several hundred movements of possums and other creatures. The spokesperson said the location and design of the structures prioritised "the shortest and most practical connection points for fauna, based on known movement patterns and local conditions". But they conceded the works on the fauna infrastructure were not entirely complete, despite the highway officially opening seven months ago. Roo Rescue WA founder, Kim Grant, said she was receiving about a dozen calls a week about kangaroos trapped on the Wilman Wadandi Highway when it first opened. She said she now regularly relocated the animals that were not already dead on the roadside. "I can't do all of the government's work for them for free." In addition to the problematic underpasses, Ms Grant said the possum bridges failed to begin and end in healthy possum habitat. "They've put them into dead trees and things, looking for structural integrity in that respect … but the arrival and destination have to be living trees," she said. Ms Grant and Ms Strapp both have doubts about Main Roads WA's consultation process for fauna protection. "Main roads used consultants like ecologists to forecast what was going to occur, but it seems a lot of it was lost in translation, or was just to sort of meet or to tick a box," Ms Strapp said. "The erection of all these mitigating constructions is just a slap in the face, and even worse, when you drive along the Wilman Wadandi Highway you see some really beautiful artwork of birds and animals. "I think the number of animals that have been killed or injured on that road speaks for itself."
West Australian
21-05-2025
- General
- West Australian
Volunteer Week: Calls to join the quiet heroes caring for WA's wildlife
From possums with burnt feet to joeys with nowhere else to go, one of WA's biggest animal rescue organisations roll up their sleeves every day to put animals in need first. Every week wildlife carers from the South West wildlife rescue FAWNA take in sick, injured and orphaned animals from across the region giving a lifeline to hundreds of native animals in need. FAWNA president Suzanne Strapp said the group was founded on the belief 'every life matters'. But, the organisation could not operate without their backbone of volunteers. Mrs Stapp said National Volunteer Week was a time to recognise all the individuals behind the rescue. She is also inviting anyone who cares about the natural world to join their mission. 'Australia's unique wildlife faces growing threats from habitat loss, extreme weather events, and human activity,' Mrs Strapp said. 'By volunteering with FAWNA, you play a direct role in rescuing and rehabilitating native animals — from possums and kangaroos to birds, reptiles, and more. 'Every hour you give can help save a life.' Mrs Stapp said volunteering with FAWNA wasn't just about helping wildlife, but forging connections with people passionate about conservation. 'Whether you're a student exploring a career in conservation or a retiree looking to stay active and engaged, volunteering with FAWNA is a chance to learn new skills, build confidence, and expand your horizons,' she said. 'You don't have to be an animal expert to get involved — FAWNA offers a range of volunteer roles suited to different skills, interests, and levels of commitment.' Mrs Stapp said across their hubs in Busselton, Bunbury, Margaret River, Dunsborough and Manjimup, there were countless roles filled by volunteers, from wildlife rescue and transport to feeding and caring for wildlife at the Possum Finishing School, Flight Academy and Kooljak Castle. 'Whether you can offer a few hours a month or more regular support, every contribution helps FAWNA continue its vital work,' Mrs Stapp said. 'Volunteering is not just an act of giving — it's a powerful way to grow as a person, connect with your community, and leave a positive mark on the planet.'
