Authorities spot 'deadly', banned items on store shelves across one state
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When shopping for home goods and essentials, it's important to know if these items are safe to use.
However, Australia has been strict with several items, as they could cause danger not just to residents but also to nature.
In a recent discovery, authorities spotted several banned garden items in discount stores across Melbourne.
The said items have heavy penalties to prevent their distribution.
These items were glue traps and wide-gauge fruit tree netting, which posed significant threats to Australia's wildlife.
Usage of these items often resulted in injuries or death of native birds, snakes, lizards, and bats.
The presence of these illegal products on store shelves is alarming, especially considering the stringent bans.
Victoria banned fruit tree netting larger than 5 mm x 5 mm from September 2021.
Glue board traps were not allowed even for commercial use and were heavily regulated under the state's Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2019.
Animals ensnared in glue traps struggle to escape, often tearing flesh in the process.
The traps immobilise the animals, leading to death by shock or stress.
The penalties for violating these bans are substantial.
Fines for illegal netting could reach up to $2,964 if the case goes to court.
Meanwhile, selling or use of glue traps could result in fines of up to $47,421 for individuals and $237,108 for corporations.
Despite these regulations, several advocacy groups noticed a lack of action from authorities to remove these items from retail outlets.
'I've been into over 50 shops, mainly thrift stores, $2 shops and dollar stores. Around 90 per cent of those stores have sold products that are deadly to wildlife,' Friends of Bats and Bushcare's spokesperson Lawrence Pope stated.
'Victoria has Australia's best wildlife-safe netting regulations. We need the enforcement regimen to match the regulations,' Mr Pope added.
'What really infuriates us is our time is completely wasted because nothing is done. Those illegal products go on to trap native species.'
'DEECA takes the sale and use of illegal glue traps and household fruit netting seriously,' Victoria's Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) stated.
'Authorised officers can take action against offenders, including directions notices, official warnings, infringement notices, and prosecutions.'
DEECA also urged the public to report any sightings of the banned items through their hotline at 136 186.
What do you think of this ban? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below. Remember, if you come across any of the banned items, do not hesitate to report them.
However, Australia has been strict with several items, as they could cause danger not just to residents but also to nature.
In a recent discovery, authorities spotted several banned garden items in discount stores across Melbourne.
The said items have heavy penalties to prevent their distribution.
These items were glue traps and wide-gauge fruit tree netting, which posed significant threats to Australia's wildlife.
Usage of these items often resulted in injuries or death of native birds, snakes, lizards, and bats.
Banned items like wide netting were spotted in a discount store in Melbourne. Image Credit: Friends of Bats & Bushcare
The presence of these illegal products on store shelves is alarming, especially considering the stringent bans.
Victoria banned fruit tree netting larger than 5 mm x 5 mm from September 2021.
Glue board traps were not allowed even for commercial use and were heavily regulated under the state's Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulations 2019.
Animals ensnared in glue traps struggle to escape, often tearing flesh in the process.
The traps immobilise the animals, leading to death by shock or stress.
The penalties for violating these bans are substantial.
Fines for illegal netting could reach up to $2,964 if the case goes to court.
Meanwhile, selling or use of glue traps could result in fines of up to $47,421 for individuals and $237,108 for corporations.
Despite these regulations, several advocacy groups noticed a lack of action from authorities to remove these items from retail outlets.
'I've been into over 50 shops, mainly thrift stores, $2 shops and dollar stores. Around 90 per cent of those stores have sold products that are deadly to wildlife,' Friends of Bats and Bushcare's spokesperson Lawrence Pope stated.
'Victoria has Australia's best wildlife-safe netting regulations. We need the enforcement regimen to match the regulations,' Mr Pope added.
'What really infuriates us is our time is completely wasted because nothing is done. Those illegal products go on to trap native species.'
'DEECA takes the sale and use of illegal glue traps and household fruit netting seriously,' Victoria's Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) stated.
'Authorised officers can take action against offenders, including directions notices, official warnings, infringement notices, and prosecutions.'
DEECA also urged the public to report any sightings of the banned items through their hotline at 136 186.
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