A 40-year-old Bendigo man has received a 12-month good behaviour bond after pleading guilty in to three charges relating to illegally taking and possession of native wildlife.
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Conservation Regulator Acting Regional Manager Brady Childs said officers searched the man's property in Mandurang South and found 21 Murray River Short Neck Turtles and trapping equipment on the man's property in May, 2019, following a report from the community.
Ten turtles had been taken from the wild in Boort while another 10 eggs had been taken from the wild in Mandurang. The eggs were then hatched while in the man's possession.
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"The man was charged with offences under the Wildlife Act 1975 including taking of protected wildlife and possession of taken wildlife," Mr Childs said.
"This is an important reminder that all native wildlife in Victoria, including birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, are protected and it is illegal to take protected wildlife from the wild.
"You must have a wildlife licence to keep native wildlife in Victoria and wildlife must come from a legitimate source."
"Regulations and licences are in place to ensure our native wildlife is protected and not illegally kept or traded."
Wildlife crime can be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. For more details on keeping and trading wildlife call 136 186 or visit www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/keeping-and-trading-wildlife/private-wildlife-licences
