Possum Rescued from Rooftop Cage in Extreme Melbourne Weather, Trapper Reported

A possum was discovered caged on the roof of a Melbourne residence during extreme weather conditions late last month. Temperatures were approximately 39 degrees Celsius, followed by heavy rain. A passerby observed two steel animal traps on a slanted rooftop, with a ringtail possum distressed inside one of them. All Animal Rescuers Victoria received an urgent call regarding the situation.

Rescue Operation Reveals Alleged Regulatory Breaches

Sonja from All Animal Rescuers Victoria responded to the call. The organization believes the possum had been trapped the previous night, enduring extreme heat and subsequent rain without water or shelter.

Upon arrival, the homeowners were present and, according to Sonja, expressed more concern about the individual who reported the incident than the animal's welfare. The residents reportedly engaged a local pest control company to remove possums from their garden.

All Animal Rescuers stated that the pest controller reportedly set the traps the day prior but did not return the following morning to check them, which is a requirement under current regulations.

Sonja retrieved the trap from the slippery roof. The possum was described as distressed and exhibited signs of dehydration, potential burns on its paws from the hot metal cage, and temporary blindness, which staff at a veterinary clinic attributed to stress or extreme heat.

Strict Regulations and Significant Penalties

Trapping possums in Victoria is permissible, provided "very strict" regulations are followed. However, it is illegal in New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, and Queensland without an approved permit or license.

Breaching Victoria's regulations can result in penalties up to $9,246 and/or two years imprisonment under the Wildlife Act 1975, or a $44,380 fine under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Regulation 2016.

Sonja alleged that multiple wildlife regulations were breached in this incident.

Recovery Underway, Authorities Notified

The possum was transported to an emergency veterinary clinic for care. Its vision returned by the following morning, and it was subsequently transferred to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for recovery, with the goal of eventual release into the wild.

The trapper involved in the incident has been reported to authorities.

This incident follows a similar case from the previous year where another wildlife rescue group responded to a report of a possum allegedly trapped and left exposed in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges.