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AUSTRALIAN REPTILE SMUGGLING RING BUSTED

  • March 15, 2019
  • Australia

Wildlife trafficking is believed to be the third most valuable illicit trade in the world, after drugs and weapons, and continues to grow considerably. This outrageous trade continues to rage, while leaders fail to take appropriate steps to deal with it.

In the most recent case, a reptile smuggling ring was uncovered in Melbourne, Australia, and more than 150 lizards were found. They were cruelly folded together from head-to-toe with masking tape – and stuffed inside toys, deep fryers, chip packets and powdered drink tins.

So cruel was the act, that when authorities found them, the lizards were barely alive, covered in their own excrement and gasping for breath. To avoid detection, they were wrapped in aluminium foil and plasticine. The lizards were bound for China and Japan.

Twelve of the reptiles died from either suffocation or trauma, and the surviving lizards were sent to sanctuaries and zoos.

It was not clear if any arrests were made, or if the investigation was followed up on.

David Barritt, chief campaigner for Network for Animals (NFA) welcomed the rescue but said much more needed to be done to stop wildlife trafficking.

“This form of cruelty is happening all over the world, and decisive change ultimately involves political action. Greater law enforcement and severe penalties need to be implemented across the world.”

By supporting our work, you are reaching out with caring hands to stop animal abuse

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Lisa-Mari Spence

Leadership Gifts Officer

Lisa-Mari was raised in South Africa and joined the NFA team as the UK fundraiser after relocating to Greece. With a background in public relations and a passion for helping animals her role at NFA is a perfect match.

Alissa Ford

Director of Leadership Gifts, USA

Alissa is the Director of Leadership Gifts in the United States. She has a background in nonprofit fundraising and marketing, but believes all paths led her to Network for Animals, where she is able to combine her professional experience with her personal passion for animal welfare. Alissa lives in Boston, Massachusetts with her husband and her fur-baby Ollie, who is treated like the prince he thinks he is, since his human brother and sister are grown and now living on their own. Alissa loves speaking to our supporters who she truly considers a community of fellow animal lovers.