A boa constrictor was discovered in Endeavour Hills last week as part of a Department of Sustainability and Environment operation. By Rebecca Fraser
THREE boa constrictors and other exotic reptiles were discovered in raids on homes in Berwick and Endeavour Hills last week as part of a 12month operation by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE).
Two boa constrictors and four corn snakes were discovered at a Berwick home and another boa constrictor and a redeared slide turtle were found in Endeavour Hills when search warrants were executed last Wednesday and Thursday by government officials and police.
Five redeared slider turtles were also uncovered at a business in Noble Park, and another four turtles at a Noble Park home.
DSE is now in discussions with the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service and DEH on the quarantine risk of the snakes and turtles.
DSE spokesperson Keith Larner said there was generally a high risk of disease associated with exotic reptiles.
“We will not risk infecting our native populations,” he said.
Mr Larner said the keeping of exotic reptiles was prohibited under state and federal laws. Offenders face fines of up to $110,000 or jail sentences of up to five years.
DSE worked with Victoria Police and the DEH on the operation, and charges are likely to be laid after interviews are concluded. Reptiles were also discovered in Churchill and Gippsland as part of the raids.
