FAQs

The current policy restricts the release of rehabilitated macropods (kangaroos and wallabies), wombats and male brushtail possums (if in care for longer than 24 hours) back to the wild, meaning that currently these animals must either be retained permanently in captivity or humanely euthanised. 

The expectation for all other native rescued wildlife is that they are rehabilitated and released back to the wild (if fit to do so).

DEW’s current policy is guided by several environmental factors and suitability for release criteria which take into consideration animal welfare and conservation implications.

There are several factors which have contributed to the review of policy, which include:

• Carer capacity – some permitted wildlife carers are reaching, or have reached, the limit of their capacity to care and are unable to take on more animals.
• Improved animal welfare outcomes – recent improvements in rehabilitation and reconditioning practices and a better understanding of welfare outcomes for animals post-release. 
• Alignment with other states/territories – South Australia is the only jurisdiction in Australia that enables the long-term retention of protected animals that have been rescued because they are permanently injured, imprinted or a species that is not allowed to be returned to the wild. 

A change in policy would not apply to any animal that is currently kept in captivity under a retain protected animals unfit for release permit. 

If a change in policy were to occur, it would only apply to animals that are rescued after the revised policy was implemented.

No decision has been made in relation to any change in our policy at this point.

Following this consultation, we will review all feedback provided to determine if a change in policy is supported, and the key factors that would need to be considered to enable a change. 

We have invited all permitted individuals and organisations within the rehabilitation sector to participate in this YourSAy consultation and provide feedback. If you believe that a relevant individual or organisation has not been invited to participate, please let us know by emailing DEWFaunaPermitsUnit@sa.gov.au.

We also want to understand the potential affects to landowners and will be working with relevant peak bodies and agencies, such as PIRSA, local landscape boards and councils to better understand any impacts and determine how they can be addressed.