In a world where the line between human activity and wildlife often blurs, a recent incident in Western Australia has sparked a heated debate about animal rights and police intervention. WA police found themselves at the centre of an online storm after posting a video that showed officers 'arresting' a large lizard in the coastal town of Carnarvon, located a lengthy nine-hour drive north of Perth.

The video, which was meant to showcase a day in the life of country policing, featured two officers attempting to wrangle what was suspected to be a bungarra, also known as a sand goanna. The caption accompanying the footage read, 'This is just another wild day in country policing. Carnarvon officers were called to handle a scaly situation… No Jurassic relics were harmed in the making of this arrest, but one is now in custody.'

As the officers navigated the front yard of a local residence, with neighbours looking on with a mix of curiosity and concern, they managed to secure the lizard by its tail, with one officer wielding a metal pole. The reptile was then carried out onto the street and placed into a police van, which quickly drove away with the 'suspect' inside.

Authorities found a wild sand goanna roaming freely in a local home. Image Credit: Facebook/WA Police Force

While the police assured the public that the lizard was unharmed during the relocation, the video elicited a wave of reactions from social media users. Some were quick to defend the animal's rights, with comments such as, 'You know animals have rights too. You can’t just arrest them for no reason,' and 'Just leave it alone. They are harmless.' Others took a lighter tone, jokingly asking, 'What no cuffs?' and remarking, 'Dude just arrested a lizard.'

Yet, amidst the backlash, there were voices of support for the officers' actions. Several people commended the police for their handling of the 'scaly suspect', with comments like, 'I love it boys, good on ya’s,' and 'Good job boys!!!'

This incident raises important questions about how we interact with wildlife, especially when they wander into human habitats. It's a reminder that while some may view the video as a humorous break from the norm, for others, it's a serious matter of respecting the rights of animals, even when they find themselves in unusual predicaments.

Watch the full video here:

Source: Western Australia Police Force/Facebook​

At the Seniors Discount Club, we understand that our members have a wealth of experience and wisdom when it comes to coexisting with Australia's unique fauna. We invite you to share your thoughts on this incident. Have you ever encountered wildlife in unexpected places? How do you believe such situations should be handled to ensure the safety of both the animals and the community?

Key Takeaways

• WA police received backlash after posting a video showing officers removing a large lizard, suspected to be a bungarra, from a home in Carnarvon.
• The video captioned by WA police humorously referred to the incident as an arrest and assured that no harm came to the animal.
• Some social media commentators criticised the police for their handling of the lizard, asserting that animals have rights and suggesting the lizard should have been left alone.
• Despite the criticism, others praised the police for dealing with the unusual situation professionally and safely relocating the reptile.

Let's open up a discussion about the balance between human intervention and animal rights. Comment below with your insights and experiences. Your perspective could help shape a more informed and compassionate approach to wildlife encounters.

 

[GrannyJA!]

Was it the home's occupant who called the cops? Surely there would be a 'reptile or snake handler' who would have been better qualified than the police, to deal with the situation? Surely police resources could be better utilised.

 

[Viellarde]

There's a lot of wisdom and sensible solution OUT THERE where one isn't the prisoner of the beast and the danger in the yard.

 

[maxesmum]

Glad they relocated it. Good job! Those bast***ds pack a mean bite!

 

[Towing]

Why do people have to be so controversial? If you have children, aged people or pets would you want it wandering on your property with the risk of it or a resident being injured. I doubt the Police drove from Perth. I'm sure there is Police Stations closer than that. There may not have been a professional catcher available. It was probably re-located the same as snakes, possums, koalas, echidnas and other creatures are.
At least it wasn't hit by a vehicle as so many creatures are

 

[Kevin. A.]

All of those people who criticized the police for relocating this animal (goanna) The relocation was as much for animal's safety as for people. This animal could have easily been the target of a dog attack it or getting runover by a car.