Sunday, July 13, 2025

Australian authorities intercept parcel with 11 dangerous animals

SYDNEY, April 5 (PNA/Xinhua) — Australian customs officials have discovered live dangerous animals being shipped to Melbourne.

An international mail room in Melbourne discovered the parcel full of venomous snakes, tarantulas and Asian forest scorpions sent from northern Europe.

A total of 11 snakes, nine tarantulas and four scorpions were found in the box marked “two pair shoes”.

Lyn O’Connell, deputy secretary of the Agriculture Department, said that “no spider was a match for our biosecurity web”.

“We get our tails up when there are scorpions in the mail and if you try (to) send exotic snakes… we bite back with the full force of the law,” O’Connell said in a statement published by the Guardian on Wednesday.

“Anyone who… conceals reptiles or arachnids in small packages and sends them through the mail does not have the best interests of the animals or Australia at heart.”

Among the animals, which have been seized and destroyed, were six Wagler’s temple vipers, a venomous snake native to Southeast Asia, and two Brazilian salmon pink bird-eating tarantulas, the third largest tarantula species in the world.

The four scorpions, five Mexican redknee tarantulas, two Colombian giant tarantulas, two hognose snakes and three ball pythons were also seized and destroyed.

The Department of Agriculture, who will investigate the case further, said the animals posed a “high biosecurity risk” due to their ability to carry diseases and pests.

“We are always finding new and unusual things that people are trying to smuggle into the country,” Australian Border Force’s James Watson told the Guardian.

Hot this week

Discover the World of DIY with Laser Engraving: Creative Projects for Modern Aussie Makers

In recent years, laser engraving has become a game-changer...

Finding Home in Newcastle: Best Suburbs for Filipino Families in Australia

Relocating to another nation is thrilling and quite demanding....

The Complete List of Australia’s Best Fishing Destinations (And When to Go)

Fishing’s part of the Aussie DNA - whether you’re...

Why White Spaces Still Work: Interior Design with Calm, Light Tones

While bold colours and busy patterns come and go,...

NSW Government backs multicultural media with $100,000 grant

The NSW Government has announced a $100,000 grant to...

Topics

Finding Home in Newcastle: Best Suburbs for Filipino Families in Australia

Relocating to another nation is thrilling and quite demanding....

The Complete List of Australia’s Best Fishing Destinations (And When to Go)

Fishing’s part of the Aussie DNA - whether you’re...

Why White Spaces Still Work: Interior Design with Calm, Light Tones

While bold colours and busy patterns come and go,...

NSW Government backs multicultural media with $100,000 grant

The NSW Government has announced a $100,000 grant to...

FiloFomoFest 2025 brings Filipino flavours and culture to Sydney’s Paddy’s Markets

Kainan, kantahan, kwentuhan – when Filipinos celebrate, it’s always...

5 Life-Saving Benefits Of Local CPR Certification

Every second counts in an emergency. Being able to...

Why CPR Knowledge Is Critical In Remote Or Rural Areas

In an emergency, every second counts. This is especially...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_img