Wildlife Officers - Protecting our wildlife resources

Wildlife officers (“Authorised officers”) may inspect wildlife held by any person. They may also inspect Protected Wildlife Record Books and any other documentation associated with the keeping and trade of wildlife. Mostly, inspections are conducted by uniformed officers (but not always). Whether uniformed or in plain clothes, officers will always show you official identification. If identification is not offered, you should ask to see it. If you are requested to participate in an inspection it does not mean that you have done anything wrong. Inspections are often conducted to monitor general trends among Wildlife Licence holders.

As a Wildlife Licence holder you have certain rights and obligations.

Your Obligations

If requested, you must:

• Give the officer your name and address when asked
• Allow an officer to inspect wildlife held by you
• Produce your licence or record book for inspection
• Allow the officer to search your vehicle, boat or property (or house at any reasonable time)
• Surrender anything the officer tells you is seized
• Comply with any retention notice issued for wildlife in your possession
• Not obstruct, threaten or abuse an Officer in the course of his or her duty.

Your Rights

• You may ask to see a Wildlife officer’s identification
• You do not have to answer any questions if you think that it might incriminate you. If you are to be interviewed about an offence you will be informed of your rights. You must, however, state your full name and correct address if asked. It is in your best interests to cooperate with officers
• You may request a receipt for anything seized from you
• If you keep wildlife inside your house, it is a condition of your licence that you allow inspection of that wildlife by an Authorised officer at any reasonable time for the purpose of monitoring compliance with the Act, regulations or conditions of the licence.