The man was convicted and fined $1000 in Seymour Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, July 28 and ordered to pay $271 in veterinarian euthanasia costs.
Conservation Regulator authorised officers found him in possession of a two-metre-long boa constrictor last year.
Officers inspected his house in July 2021 after receiving reports he was keeping a carpet python without a licence, but instead found what they believed to be a boa constrictor.
The species was confirmed by Zoos Victoria keepers based on the size, markings and colouration of the snake.
The man pleaded guilty to one offence of keeping a controlled pest animal under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.
Boa constrictors are native to South America and the Caribbean, and are classified as a pest animal in Australia.
The Office of the Conservation Regulator said pest animals posed a serious threat to the environment and community health in Victoria and could only be kept with certain licences.
Hume manager for regulatory operations Greg Chant said it was the responsibility of the individual to be sure of the species they were buying or keeping.
“Boa constrictors and other pest animals are controlled in Victoria because they can damage ecosystems, threaten local wildlife populations and risk community health and safety,” he said.
“There is no reason to keep these animals without the appropriate authorisation.
“Before buying a pet, native or exotic, it is your responsibility to correctly identify the species and understand if they are legal to own in Victoria and if you require a licence.
“It is important to buy from a licensed dealer to ensure the animal has been legally sourced.”
The community can report any information about alleged illegal wildlife or pest animal possession to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.
For more information on pest animals visit https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/pest-animals and for more details about keeping native Australian wildlife as pets, visit https://www.vic.gov.au/private-wildlife-licences
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