Authorities in Victoria have closed a 4-decade long loophole, which was allowing people to hunt down, abuse, and even kill wombats for fun.
Thanks to changes in laws, people will have to get a permit to hunt the animal, which was listed as a pest under the 1975 Wildlife Act.
As a result of the existing legislation, tour operators were able to sell lavish hunting trips under the guise that it was a vermin control and it would help the community.
According to reports last year, tourists were paying up to $1,000 per night at a guest ranch, which included the activity of shooting.
The tourists were hunting the animals on a farm in Northern Victoria, which was owned by a wealthy Chinese casino owner.
The revelations triggered an inquiry by the government into the wombat protection laws.
The website said, “When we come to Australia, we should experience life that we can’t experience in China. The first thing that should be felt in Australia is to be a wilderness hunter in the mountains of Australia. With professional guidance, you will be a great shooter!”
Talking about the protections Wombats deserve, Minister Lily D’Ambrosio released a statement.
Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said, “Wombats deserve the same protection as other native animals – and that’s what this change delivers.”
She added, “The previous rules were outdated – wombats deserve the same protection as other native animals – and that’s what this change delivers. This change will ensure wombats can’t be exploited by an old rule.”
People that will be caught killing wombats in Victoria without an official permit will have to pay up to $39,000 in fines or 2 years in prison.