Snake exhibitor convicted for negligence

A local Bathurst man has been found guilty of illegally exhibiting venomous snakes and for breaching safety and licensing conditions which contributed to the serious injury of a member of the public.

Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Leader Exhibited Animals, Matthew Crane said the charges stem from a serious life threatening incident in 2009 where a person was bitten by a snake at a reptile training course conducted by the snake exhibitor.

"Bathurst Local Court has found that the local snake handler and snake catcher breached a number of permit conditions under the Exhibited Animals Protection Act," Mr Crane said.

"The man failed to put in place appropriate safety procedures, including barriers to protect members of the public who attended his reptile course.

"This resulted in a life-threatening incident where a member of the public was bitten by a deadly tiger snake.

"The Bathurst man also exhibited three other species of venomous snakes without the appropriate permits under the Exhibited Animals Protection Act."

Mr Crane said that an authority under the Exhibited Animals Protection legislation is required in NSW to display or exhibit reptiles, including in mobile displays.

"The Act sets out very clear standards to protect the safety of the public and address various animal welfare, biosecurity and reporting issues," Mr Crane said.

"The licensing system reviews applicants for their ability to care for the animals and to manage them appropriately during the exhibition.

"This case sends a very clear signal that public safety is taken very seriously, that negligence won’t be tolerated and that failure to obtain the necessary authorities is unacceptable."

The offender has been convicted of five offences, ordered to pay legal costs and is no longer authorised to display animals or keep them for display purposes in NSW.

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