...By Gift BADEWO for TDPel Media.
Man Arrested in Connection with Platypus Taken from Natural Habitat
On Tuesday morning, a man was arrested by police in Queensland, Australia, in connection to the taking of a platypus from its natural habitat.
The incident came to the authorities’ attention after the pair, a man and a woman, were allegedly caught on CCTV showing the creature to people on a train.
They then allegedly took it to a shopping centre in Caboolture, where they showed it to more members of the public.
The animal was allegedly taken from the wild in Queensland’s Moreton district at around 11 am on Tuesday.
Allegations and Charges
A 26-year-old man has been charged with taking a protected animal class 1 offence and restriction on keeping or using taken protected animal class 1 offence.
The unlawful taking and keeping of a platypus from the wild is a Class 1 offence under section 88 of the Nature Conservation Act 1992, which carries a maximum penalty of $431,250.
A woman has also spoken to police, and investigations are ongoing.
Location and Condition of the Platypus
Police have been told that the animal was released into the Caboolture River, away from where it was taken.
However, it has not yet been located by authorities, and its condition is unknown.
The platypus may become sick, be diseased, or die the longer it is out of its natural environment.
Appeal and Warning
The story of the incident has gone viral worldwide and made headlines in several countries.
Anyone who sees a sick or injured platypus is urged to report it to the RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL (1300 264 625) or to the Department of Environment and Science (DES) on 1300 130 372.
Police have warned that anyone who comes into contact with the animal should not feed it or introduce it to a new environment, as it may put people or the animal in danger.
A police spokesperson said, “Taking a platypus from the wild is not only illegal, but it can be dangerous for both the displaced animal and the person involved if the platypus is male, as they have venomous spurs.”
Platypus venom is not lethal to humans but causes extreme pain.
Anonymous Reports
Anonymous reports about the incident can be made via Policelink on 131444.
