Deception Bay man convicted of illegally trading in protected wildlife
A 67-year-old Deception Bay man was today convicted and fined $80,000 for unlawfully trading in protected wildlife. Grant Arthur Nicholls pleaded guilty in the Redcliffe Magistrates Court to 21 charges relating to trading in native snakes, lizards, frogs and birds over a period from February 2004 to April 2007.
(PressZoom) - A 67-year-old Deception Bay man was today convicted and fined $80,000 for unlawfully trading in protected wildlife.
Grant Arthur Nicholls pleaded guilty in the Redcliffe Magistrates Court to 21 charges relating to trading in native snakes, lizards, frogs and birds over a period from February 2004 to April 2007.
The court was told Nicholls commercially sold more than 600 animals when he was not the holder of a commercial wildlife licence under Queensland's Nature Conservation Act 1992.
Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, Andrew McNamara, said the licensing arrangements under the Nature Conservation Act were set up to guard against native animals being taken from the wild and to prevent the laundering of such animals through the pet industry.
“These licensing arrangements also seek to minimise the risk of disease being spread by the unregulated movement of protected wildlife through Queensland and interstate,” Mr McNamara said.
“Nicholls held a licence under the Nature Conservation Act to keep certain animals, but could not trade in animals on a commercial basis under this licence.
“Today’s fine and conviction should serve as a warning that illegally trading in native wildlife can result in significant penalties,” he said.
Mr McNamara said the conviction of Nicholls was the result of a multi-agency investigation which included the Queensland Police Stock and Rural Crime Squad, the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency, the Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment, and Customs.
Assistance was also provided by the Northern Territory, South Australian and New South Wales wildlife authorities.
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3336 8004
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