Following the discovery of the largest known domestic illegal exotic animal trade network ever uncovered in Victoria, Crime Stoppers Victoria is sending a clear message to owners of illegal exotic pets to surrender these animals now or risk getting caught.
This illegal trade poses a severe risk to public health, the farming community and local wildlife.
The ‘Your Pet, Our Pest’ campaign encourages owners of illegal exotic pets to voluntarily surrender their animals at one of four new surrender locations: RSPCA Burwood East, RSPCA Peninsula, Second Chance Animal Rescue in Craigieburn, and the Bird and Exotic Animal Clinic in Williamstown North.
These reputable organisations are offering a no-questions-asked policy when accepting exotic animal surrenders.
Chief Executive of Crime Stoppers Victoria Stella Smith explains, “This illegal trade prioritises profit over the well-being of the animals and the environment. These animals are not suitable pets and pose a severe risk to our community.”
“We urge Victorians to take action to help end the trafficking and ownership of illegal exotic pets.”
Adam Kay, Biosecurity Manager at Agriculture Victoria, warns, “The illegal trade of exotic pests threatens Victoria’s ecosystem and biosecurity. These animals are often stolen or bred under inhumane conditions. If smuggled into Australia without appropriate quarantine, they have the potential to carry diseases like rabies that can spread to local wildlife, pets, and even humans.”
Mr Kay explains, “Online marketplaces have made it easier for traffickers to sell exotic pest animals illegally, putting many Victorians at risk of unknowingly purchasing these animals and committing an offence.”
“With ongoing investigations into the illegal exotic animal trade network and several related cases before the courts, now is the best time for owners to surrender any illegal exotic pets before getting caught.”
Penalties for illegally importing, keeping, breeding, or trading exotic pests, such as the African pygmy hedgehog, can reach up to $95,000.
Ms Smith emphasises, “If you have an illegal exotic pet, now is the time to surrender it before someone reports you.”
Illegal exotic pets can be surrendered anonymously. For more information about surrendering your illegal exotic pet and for surrender locations visit crimestoppersvic.com.au
If you know someone who has an illegal exotic pet or someone who is involved in the trade of illegal exotic animals, let Crime Stoppers Victoria know. You can report anonymously online or by calling 1800 333 000.
