A surfer on the Gold Coast has been fined for breaching the conditions of his permit taking his pet python out in public without permission. The incident gained attention when footage of the surfer, Higor Fiuza, and his carpet python, Shiva, longboarding at Rainbow Bay went viral on social media.
According to Queensland’s Department of Environment and Science, Fiuza has been ordered to pay a fine of $2,322 for the breach. Senior wildlife officer John McDonald explained that Fiuza had a permit to keep native animals, but he violated the permit taking the python out without a separate permit required for public display.
Taking native pets out in public can cause unnecessary stress on the animals, as they may behave unpredictably when removed from their enclosures. In the case of the python, it would have found the ocean water extremely cold, as reptiles generally avoid water and snakes other than sea snakes should not be in the ocean.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to permit conditions and considering the welfare of animals when taking them out in public. Additionally, it highlights the need for separate permits for public display to ensure the safety and well-being of both the animals and the public involved.
It should be noted that other animals, such as the surfing duck known as Duck and the late surfing British bulldog named Pork Chops, have also been seen catching waves at Queensland beaches. However, in Queensland, only leashed dogs are generally permitted on beaches unless in designated areas, according to local council laws.
In conclusion, while the viral footage of a surfer and his pet python riding waves at a Gold Coast beach may be entertaining, it is essential to remember the legal requirements and permit conditions surrounding the possession and display of native animals. Public display of such animals without the proper permits can lead to fines and, more importantly, could cause stress and harm to the animals themselves.
Definitions:
– Permit: A legal authorization or document that allows someone to do something, such as keeping a pet python or displaying it in public.
– Breach: An act of breaking or violating a law, rule, or agreement.
– Reptile: A cold-blooded vertebrate that includes snakes, lizards, and turtles.
– Public Display: The act of exhibiting or showing something, such as a pet python, to the general public.
– Welfare: The wellbeing and quality of life of an animal, in this context referring to the stress and harm that can be caused taking native animals out in public without proper permits.
Source: This article is based on the following source article, without any URLs: “Surfer fined for taking pet python to Gold Coast beach without permit” published ABC News.
