Police in Queensland are appealing for a platypus, which is believed to have been taken from the wild, to be urgently taken to a vet or handed over to officers.
Two people were seen boarding a train and showing the animal to passengers about 11am yesterday in Morayfield in Moreton Bay.
The pair was seen “with the animal wrapped in a towel, patting it and showing it to fellow commuters” as it’s believed they travelled toward Caboolture.
Caboolture Police and the Queensland Department of Environment and Science fear the animal could die if not given immediate veterinary help.
“The animal may become sick, be diseased or die the longer is it out of the wild and should not be fed or introduced to a new environment,” Queensland Police said in a statement.
“It may also have venomous spurs which can cause significant injury to people and animals.
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“The animal’s timely surrender will ensure its welfare.”
Unlawfully taking and keeping a platypus, which is endangered in some parts of Australia, is an offence that carries a maximum fine of $431,250.
Anonymous reports can be made via Policelink on 131444.
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