Several turtles found dead in illegal trap

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Flaviemys purvisi

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JUNE 4 2018
By Madelaine Wong


Turtle Rescues NSW got a call from a resident who was walking a dog when a trap was spotted poking out of the water in the Georges River at Liverpool.

On Friday afternoon the wildlife-rescue organisation attended the site and pulled a netted cage out of the water which contained the remains of several dead turtles (pictured below).
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GALLERY | Turtle travesty
An increasing number of illegal traps have been found more recently. Pictures: Rachael and Kane Durrant




Kane Durrant and business partner Shane Davies allege the trap was there for an extensive period of time before it was found.

“We were notified of an abandoned trap today. Unfortunately several dead turtles were discovered in it and judging by the level of decomposition had been there for some time,” Mr Durrant posted on Facebook on June 1.

“This sort of behaviour is an outrage and happening all too often throughout Sydney's wetland areas.

“A huge thank-you to Illawarra Herpetological Society for sponsoring us.”

Mr Durrant told the Champion the problem was growing with an increasing number of illegal traps found the past year.

But he said this time the trap appeared to be designed to catch turtles.

“We were shocked at the trap design because the target is usually yabbies whereas this one looked to be specially made for turtles. I think the trapper had lost it in the deep water.

“We’ve been finding a few traps with deceased turtles of late, which led to law changes for traps in a few states. They endanger all aquatic life and diving birds that can become trapped.”

Turtles can be classified as endangered species, threatened species or protected species.

Under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 those without a license to possess and trade the animals with intent for safety and welfare will be prosecuted if they’re caught harming or attempting to harm a threatened species, including laying traps.

Offenders can be fined up to $330,000 per animal for an individual with a further $33,000 for each day the offence continues.

Furthermore, people can also be jailed for up to two-years or fined as well as be jailed.

Liverpool crime manager Dean Johnstone said it was important people were aware of the illegal acts and penalties.

"Governments have enacted appropriate legislation to protect Australian wildlife and associated eco-systems,” he said.

“There are significant penalties in place for people who do anything which may potentially harm an animal or possessing a protected animal.

“The legislation also provides that licenses can be purchased for the purpose of owning or trading the animals with conditions attached to them."

 
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