More than 100 native animals and 25 carcasses have been seized from a Brisbane home in one of the worst cases of mistreatment wildlife officers have seen.
A multi-agency compliance operation was carried out at the Toowong address last week, after Queensland police obtained information that indicated a wildlife carer had allegedly breached the conditions of their wildlife rehabilitation permit.
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service compliance officer Warren Christensen said at least 110 animals had to be removed from the property due to poor conditions the animals were kept in.
RSPCA Queensland helped transport the animals to the Wildlife Hospital at Wacol for veterinary assessment and treatment.
Mr Christensen said of the 85 animals taken into care by the RSPCA, 67 of them were euthanased as they had no chance of being rehabilitated and released back into the wild.
"Unfortunately, 25 deceased animals were found in freezers beneath the house and some of those were unable to be identified," he said.
"Many of the living animals were suffering from illness or diseases or were blind and could not be rehabilitated and released back into the wild.
"It is sad. We believe many of those animals will have to be euthanised due to their illness and disease."
Mr Christensen said the situation had been going on for "several years".
"While I would not suggest they were being deliberately cruel, the very way in which they were being kept was," he said.
He said many of the animals should have been euthanased long before they were found.
"There was absolutely no hope of them ever being able to recover again," he said.
Mr Christensen said the conditions the animals were kept in were not consistent with regulatory requirements and may have allegedly breached the Animal Care and Protection Act.
"Many of the animals were being kept in small cages or enclosures inside the house without access to fresh air or sunlight," he said.
"Our investigation has shown the person may be allowed to conduct native animal rehabilitation activities under a group rehabilitation permit, but it is clear the person had taken too many animals into care."
A wide range of live animals were seized, including possums, birds, snakes, and the vulnerable phascogale species, which is a small marsupial.
Under the Nature Conservation Act, carers and wildlife groups are required to hold permits to rehabilitate sick, injured, or orphaned protected animals so they can be returned to the wild.
Mr Christensen said the Department of Environment and Science would take strong action against anyone operating unlawfully or putting the conservation and welfare of native wildlife at risk.
The police investigation is ongoing.
