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🇦🇺 Australia /Crime & Justice

Madagascar hissing cockroaches among $200,000 invertebrate seizure

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • Australian authorities seized over 100,000 live exotic cockroaches, valued at up to $200,000, in the largest such seizure in the country.
  • The haul included dubia and Madagascar hissing cockroaches, allegedly from a commercial breeder.
  • Officials warn that these exotic insects can spread disease and harm native wildlife and agriculture.

Australian authorities have seized more than 100,000 live exotic cockroaches, with an estimated value of up to $200,000, in what is described as the largest seizure of illegal exotic invertebrates in Australia.

The operation, conducted at Bathurst in Central West NSW, targeted a commercial breeder and included dubia cockroaches and Madagascar hissing cockroaches.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) issued a stern warning to pet businesses and owners, stating that illegal breeding and trading of exotic cockroaches will result in seizure and potential penalties under federal law.

We’re seeing illegal breeding and trading of exotic cockroaches and we’re putting pet businesses and pet owners on notice.

— DCCEEW spokespersonA spokesperson for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water issued a warning regarding illegal exotic cockroach trade.

Reptile owners who have been using dubia roaches as feeders are advised to seek legal alternatives like crickets and wood roaches. Authorities emphasize the significant risks posed by exotic cockroaches, including the potential to spread disease and harm native wildlife and agriculture.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is managing the euthanasia and disposal of the seized insects.

If you are found to possess, breed or trade exotic cockroaches such as dubia cockroaches and Madagascar hissing cockroaches, they will be seized and you could face penalties under federal law.

— DCCEEW spokespersonThe DCCEEW spokesperson outlined the legal consequences for engaging in the illegal trade of exotic cockroaches.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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