Kevin the Kookaburra's killer receives maximum penalty
The man who tore the head off a kookaburra at a Perth pub has been fined the maximum penalty of $2,500.
WA Police and RSPCA WA began an investigation following accounts from patrons at the Parkerville Tavern, who said they witnessed Daniel Welfare rip the head off Kevin the kookaburra after the bird took food from his plate.
The $2,500 fine is the maximum penalty for the offence of “unlawful take of fauna”.
According to the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Welfare was the first person to be fined the maximum amount for the offence since new laws came into force on January 1.
“Even though kookaburras are not native to Western Australia, they are classified as fauna under the Act, which means people must not take or disturb them without lawful authority,” a spokesperson said.
The kookaburra had been well-known to pub staff and regulars prior to the attack, with a notice featuring a photo of Kevin on display at the tavern.
“Meet one of the locals (he’s still out there). He has a love for the Parky Steak Sandwich and fish. He is loathed to buy his own and whenever possible, will sneak up and steal yours,” the sign warns.
“Please be mindful of your precious steak sandwich and meals in the garden and in the meantime, we shall continue our negotiations with this chap in the hope that he learns some table manners.”
A customer told PerthNow that Welfare “grabbed” Kevin after the bird flew down onto his plate.
“I went ‘Oh my god, he’s got him’ and then he sort of just hesitated for a moment, like seconds, and then put his hands under the table and just ripped his head off,” the customer said.
“The thing that got me is he just threw the bird on the floor, he just ditched it.”
Investigations with the RSPCA and the Department of Primary Industries and Development are still ongoing.