The Game Management Authority (GMA) today announced that a man from Markwood in the North East of Victoria pleaded guilty and was convicted of animal cruelty and spotlighting offences in the Wangaratta Magistrates court.
As a result of his conviction, the man was ordered to pay a combined total of $5,000 in fines, had his Game Licence cancelled, and is prohibited from obtaining a new one for five years; his two firearms, ammunition and spotlight were also forfeited.
The acting director of Compliance and Intelligence, Zac Powell, was quoted as saying “Further investigations uncovered evidence the man had also committed animal cruelty offences where he had chased and run-down deer with a vehicle and had also been hunting deer with hounds without a licence endorsed for hound hunting.”
“These acts of animal cruelty and irresponsible behaviour show no respect for Victoria’s game deer species and will be prosecuted. Illegal spotlighting is also dangerous and can put your community, property, livestock and native wildlife at risk.”
“Those who break the law face significant fines and penalties, they may be prosecuted, have their equipment confiscated and lose their Game and Firearms Licences. In some cases, offenders may face jail terms.”
The Australian Deer Association strongly condemns such atrocious behaviour and fully supports the GMA and other government agencies in enforcing the law across Victoria.
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