81Powers of wildlife officer in relation to escaped or released wildlife

81 Powers of wildlife officer in relation to escaped or released wildlife

(1)  A wildlife officer who believes that wildlife kept under a licence or permit has escaped from captivity, or has been released from captivity contrary to a condition of the licence or permit, is to do one or more of the following:

(a) take reasonable steps to recapture and contain the wildlife;

(b) humanely destroy and dispose of the wildlife, if the wildlife officer believes that the escaped or released wildlife is an immediate threat to the public or the environment;

(c) issue a direction to the holder of the licence or permit requiring the holder to do one or more of the following:

(i) take reasonable steps to recapture and contain the wildlife;

(ii) humanely destroy the wildlife;

(iii) ensure the prevention of any further escape or release of the wildlife.

(2)  A holder of a licence or permit who is given a notice under subregulation (1)(c) must comply with the notice.

Penalty:  Fine not exceeding 100 penalty units.