Outrage over ‘slap on wrist’ for shaking possum onto hard concrete

A months-long investigation into a viral act of animal cruelty, in which a possum was deliberately shaken off a 30-metre boom on to the hard concrete below, has ended with a stern talking to for the person responsible.

A scaffolder working nearby recorded the Arete Concrete boom pump operator shaking the possum off the fully extended boom at a Brisbane worksite in February and uploaded it to TikTok.

The footage zooms in on the stricken animal, which appeared to be twitching or convulsing on the ground. (This masthead has chosen not to show that portion of the footage.)

The video was deleted, but not before it went viral and attracted the attention of the RSPCA, which referred the matter to the Queensland Department of Environment for investigation.

As of mid-April, the investigation was still ongoing, but the department this week confirmed to this masthead it had since concluded.

The result? The operator was interviewed and reminded of their obligations under the Nature Conservation Act.

“We recognise this matter has been upsetting for many people in the community and thank those who provided information to assist inquiries,” a department spokeswoman said.

“The department continues to take allegations involving harm to native wildlife seriously.”

The decision not to take action did not go down well with Humane World for Animals campaign director for Australia Nicola Beynon.

“We are disappointed that this act of cruelty toward wildlife – that was caught on camera – has been met with barely a slap on the wrist,” she said.

“This is emblematic of so many cases of animal cruelty or abuse of wildlife where offenders are let off scot-free.

“If we want to see better treatment of animals, we need to apply the law more frequently and to its full extent.”

The RSPCA, which referred the incident for investigation, distanced itself from the decision on Friday.

“As RSPCA Queensland was not the investigating authority and does not have access to the full investigation material, it would not be appropriate to comment on the investigation outcome or enforcement decision,” a spokeswoman said.

“This incident was distressing for many in the community and is an important reminder that native wildlife must be treated safely, humanely and lawfully in all settings, including worksites.

“If wildlife is found injured, trapped, displaced or in an unsafe situation, rescue authorities should be contacted as early as possible so the animal can be assessed and safely relocated where appropriate.”

Arete managing director Steve Murdoch, who in February said he had received death threats over the incident, was approached for comment.

“These actions were wrong, and not in line with Arete’s expectations of our employees,” Murdoch said in a February statement in response to the incident.

“A formal counselling and warning was given to the concrete boom operator employee.”

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