22/04/2026
No words 😢
KOALA KILLING AT KOROIT – UPDATE ON A CRITICAL CASE
Koala Crisis has taken every action possible to establish whether the psychopath who tied a koala to the back of his ute, dragged the poor creature down a public street, dumping the koala in a nearby park, has been charged !
He has not been charged. The " investigation is ongoing".
This dreadful torture and subsequent death of a koala in Koroit highlights the CRUX of a completely unacceptable situation in Victoria. A situation which basically amounts to the government doing its level best to ensure appalling cruelty to wildlife is contained in a web of agencies with no clear authority.
This is the best explanation of the situation.
While the Conservation Regulator ( DEECA) may elect to proceed under the Wildlife Act in relation to offences involving protected wildlife, that Act is primarily directed toward the protection and regulation of wildlife rather than the prosecution of extreme cruelty.
The conduct in this matter—deliberate, prolonged and resulting in severe suffering meets the threshold for aggravated cruelty under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The relevant section of the Act contains significant fines and/or prison sentences.
RSPCA VICTORIA SELLS OUT
An RSPCA Victoria spokesperson said it was deeply concerned by the reports and encouraged any witnesses to contact the Conservation Regulator.
THIS EXTRAORDINARY ACTION OF PASSING OVER AN AGGRAVATED CRUELTY CASE TO THE CONSERVATION REGULATOR RAISES A FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION.
How is it ensured that the most serious available offence is identified and NOT pursued, instead relying on a lesser regulatory offence?
What’s the difference between penalties if the alleged perpetrator is charged under the Wildlife Act ?
Potential Fine – $19,000. Possible imprisonment up to 6 months, Provisions in the Wildlife Act are not calibrated to the severity of suffering as spelled out in POCTA.
POCTA - Key Penalties for Aggravated Cruelty (Individuals):
• Imprisonment: Up to 2 years.
• Fines: Up to $82,610 as of 2024, based on 2023-24 values.
• Additional Penalties: Courts may impose a Control Order, restricting or prohibiting a person from owning animals for up to 10 years or permanently.
Under POCTA, aggravated cruelty is the peak offence for cruelty in Victoria.
Who makes the decision about which Act is used?
Because wildlife matters are usually led by the Conservation Regulator:
👉 The case can be framed entirely within the Wildlife Act from the outset
Which means:
• POCTA may never be actively considered
• unless:
o another agency intervenes
o or the issue is explicitly raised
There’s no rule preventing consideration of both Acts but no bets on the likelihood.
Our mother group, Australians for Animals Inc has emailed the Director of Regulatory Operations at the Conservation Regulator, every board member of RSPCA Victoria, relevant Ministers and is seeking legal advice.
It’s important to understand that Victoria is a legal desert as there are so few public interest law centres and those that exist have very limited capacity to deal with issues;.
Cruelty to wildlife is not top of the list of ANY legal organisation. This is an unacceptable situation.
It also underlines the critical importance of Australians for Animals lawsuit against DEECA over the helicopter shooting of more than 1000 koalas at Budj Bim National Park.
The challenge is a land mark case. Helicopter shooting of any animal is a cruel way to extinguish life. Cruelty in Victoria must become a number one issue because the research shows that animal cruelty and domestic violence are strongly linked.
If you would like to help our legal challenge – there’s a two day hearing coming up in the Victorian Supreme Court on 8/9 May, please donate to: www.givenow.com.au/koala-crisis.
Koala Crisis will keep you posted on the Koroit Koala Killing case.
