A discussion paper has been published by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, which is canvassing public opinion on changes that could make it easier to issue Authority to Control Wildlife permits in Victoria.  

“Wildlife shelters and foster carers invest significant time and resources rehabilitating sick, injured and orphaned Eastern Grey Kangaroos,” the paper reports. 

“Given that the species is overabundant in many areas and is the species that the majority of ATCWs are issued for, some members of the community have suggested that the species should not be able to be rehabilitated under the wildlife shelter system.”

Other species highlighted as ‘over abundant’ within the paper include wombats, possums and cockatoos. 

Ms Ryan said in NSW all wildlife is protected except in some very specific areas of the state. 

She said it is however important for wildlife carers and groups to remain united to ensure it is not possible for a similar policy to be flagged in NSW. 

Ms Ryan said there is not any ‘over abundance’ of species in the location where the majority of animal carers are situated on the Mid North Coast. 

“It’s also not easy to get a licence to be able to cull them; evidence of damage or financial loss needs to be provided to authorities before any licences to harm can be issued ” she said

The issue of the ban on wildlife carers treating ‘over abundant species’ was discussed at a recent meeting of the NSW Wildlife Council.