The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, flagged the possibility of restricting rescues’ ability to rehabilitate ‘overabundant species’ such as kangaroos, wombats, cockatoos and possums in a recent discussion paper.

It stated a system similar to the ACT’s restriction on rehabilitating eastern grey kangaroos had been suggested by community members and while outside the scope of the specific review, it may be considered in future reviews.

Kangaloola Wildlife Shelter’s Chris Lehmann believes it is just a matter of time before the idea becomes a reality, but said rescuers would not comply.

“It’s completely preposterous, unimaginable,” he said. 

“Rescuers will not go to help animals only to kill them as the law may require in future. That will not happen.

“It seems the government wishes that we leave these animals to suffer and die, since no one else will be going to help.

“That outcome is so shocking and appalling I cannot even begin to imagine it becoming reality.

“They really have no idea about the deep emotional care rescuers have for wildlife.”

In a response to the Border Mail, DELWP downplayed the possibility of any restrictions in the future, saying the idea had been raised by the community during stakeholder consultation.

“DELWP does not have a plan to restrict the rehabilitation of overabundant species,” a spokesman said.

“Any future plan to restrict rehabilitation of overabundant species would be subject to a thorough public consultation process. “

Veterinary nurse Lizzie Cann said rescues have specialist equipment bought through donations – that would go to waste if restrictions were put in place. 

“A lot of vets won’t put down healthy animals, and rightfully so, it’s a conflict of interest, they have sworn an oath to do no harm – if they’re putting down healthy animals how is that doing now harm?,” she said.