Laws to protect wildlife from getting caught up in backyard fruit tree netting came into effect on September 1. They require the mesh size to be 5mm by 5mm or less at full stretch. A penalty of $3303 applies for using netting that does not comply. Netting needs to be too small enough to poke your finger through; if you can poke your finger through the mesh is too large.
Bats, birds and animals are caught while foraging for food. During 2020 rescuers from Wildlife Victoria were called to rescue flying foxes (120), rainbow lorikeets (19), sulphur crested cockatoos(16) and ringtailed possums (8). Michelle Thomas from Animalia reports “We never release them straight away because it can take weeks for flying fox wings to heal after suffering tears caused by nets. Sadly they often have to be euthanised.”
Peninsula residents can call Animalia for help on 0435 822 699
Article from Mornington News August 31 2021