Colin
morelia
- Joined
- Jun 14, 2006
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Daily Telegraph
Source:
Two boa constrictors found in house
March 05, 2009 11:22am
AN anonymous tip-off led police to an unusual reptilian discovery southeast of Melbourne this morning – two boa constrictors.
Officers from Victoria Police and the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) executed a search warrant at the Carrum house after a call was made to the DSE contact centre.
The male and female boa constrictors were seized at the home.
DSE senior investigator Keith Larner said a 42-year-old woman was being interviewed.
"Keeping boa constrictors is selfish and highly irresponsible," Mr Larner said.
"They can spread potentially devastating diseases to our native pythons."
The snakes can carry a virus called Inclusion Body Disease, which is fatal for native Australian pythons because they have no resistance to it.
It is illegal under state and federal law to possess, breed or trade exotic reptiles. Boa constrictors are native to Central and South America.
The woman faced penalties of up to $110,000 in fines and/or five years in jail.
Mr Larner thanked the anonymous caller.
"Their decision to assist us has removed two exotic pests that had the potential to breed more exotic pests."
The snakes will be euthanased.
Source:
Two boa constrictors found in house
March 05, 2009 11:22am
AN anonymous tip-off led police to an unusual reptilian discovery southeast of Melbourne this morning – two boa constrictors.
Officers from Victoria Police and the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) executed a search warrant at the Carrum house after a call was made to the DSE contact centre.
The male and female boa constrictors were seized at the home.
DSE senior investigator Keith Larner said a 42-year-old woman was being interviewed.
"Keeping boa constrictors is selfish and highly irresponsible," Mr Larner said.
"They can spread potentially devastating diseases to our native pythons."
The snakes can carry a virus called Inclusion Body Disease, which is fatal for native Australian pythons because they have no resistance to it.
It is illegal under state and federal law to possess, breed or trade exotic reptiles. Boa constrictors are native to Central and South America.
The woman faced penalties of up to $110,000 in fines and/or five years in jail.
Mr Larner thanked the anonymous caller.
"Their decision to assist us has removed two exotic pests that had the potential to breed more exotic pests."
The snakes will be euthanased.