The Conservation Regulator is seeking information from the public after six dead wombats were found in Boolarra with various fatal injuries on Sunday 11 June 2023.

Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers inspected the bodies at a site near Darlimurla Road following a report from a member of the public.

Of the six wombat bodies found, at least three had bullet wounds but officers were unable to locate any bullets with a metal detector; two had possibly been hit by cars; and the cause of death for the remaining animal couldn’t be identified due to decomposition.

Officers have determined the injuries were inflicted sometime between Monday 5 June and Saturday 10 June.
The Conservation Regulator is urging anyone with information about this incident to report it confidentially to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au

All wildlife, including wombats, are protected in Victoria under the Wildlife Act 1975 and it is illegal to hunt, take, destroy, injure, or interfere with wildlife and severe penalties apply.

The maximum penalty for hunting, taking, or destroying wildlife is $9,615 and/or six to 12 months imprisonment, and $92,460 and/or 24 months imprisonment for an act of aggravated animal cruelty.