Police are appealing for the return of a platypus believed to be taken from its natural environment in Moreton district yesterday morning Tuesday April 4, around 11am.
Two people were observed boarding a train at Morayfield Station with the animal wrapped in a towel, patting it and showing it to fellow commuters, it's believed the pair were travelling toward Caboolture.
Police and the Department of Environment and Science are making a joint appeal for the animal's surrender to a staffed emergency vet or police station as soon as possible.
The animal may become sick, be diseased or die the longer is it out of the wild and should not be fed or introduced to a new environment. It may also have venomous spurs which can cause significant injury to people and animals.
The animal's timely surrender will ensure its welfare. The unlawful take and keep of a Platypus from the wild is a Class 1 offence under section 88 of the Nature Conservation Act 1992, that carries a maximum penalty of $431,250.
Anonymous reports can be made via Policelink 131444.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
