ATT: All snake relocators.

[Niall]

Most of you would have received the Email today, but thought I might post it up for comment.


Over the last few months we have moved two Reptile Removers from our Wildcare Helpline referral list of volunteers to a separate list that we maintain for commercial pest removers. This has been necessary because the advertising and information provided by the Reptile Remover, and feedback from the public, confirmed commercial activity – as opposed to provision of a voluntary service.
 
A few definitions / statement of principles may provide clarity. This topic is very serious because if charging a “call out fee” or making any other charge you are no longer covered by any insurance that DEC may provide, you will be required to declare the “income” for taxation and other purposes, and essentially you become a “contractor” as soon as cash requested and received for your services is accepted.
 
As a volunteer you may point out to the householder, or any other recipient of your services, that you are a volunteer and that any voluntary donation towards “out of pocket” costs would be of assistance. The donation must be voluntary and must not be a requirement of your attendance.
 
The figure donated must be at the discretion of the giver. Previous discussions have implied “no more than $50”.  Unfortunately some volunteers are now expecting this “donation” as standard practice. This is not acceptable.
 
The prime consideration for providing a volunteer reptile removal service is to ensure
• safety and welfare of the public,
• care and conservation of native fauna
• reasonable enjoyment of volunteers in an area of expertise, and
• appreciation of the natural environment, including reptiles.
 
We value and appreciate volunteers who have developed the skills and resources to be able to provide a commercial service but unfortunately are not able to continue support within DEC volunteer programs.

[Snowman]

So I guess you cant expect to cover fuel costs then. Bit of a shame, but if your call outs are kept to your local area you shouldnt have to drive 30km to move a snake.
Be interested to hear what the volunteers thoughts are.

[AndrewHenderson]

It's quite simple, if you don't want to do it for free or minimal fees don't do it. It will be more beneficial to just stay under DEC's insurance and not charge for it. Public liability when it involves venemous snakes can be pretty high, maybe Gary or someone can elaborate on how much his liability insurance is for him but you would be doing a hell of a lot of relocations just to pay that before even taking into account fuel etc.

I would say most people would chuck you 10 or 20 bucks to cover fuel costs on most relocations, not every human being is a tight arse! 10 bucks worth of fuel is still going to cover about 60km worth of travel depending on what car you drive etc.

[Orangamanda]

I've been asked "how much" after a removal, sucsessful and not sucsessful.
I always say its free , it has never worried me i havent had to drive far. My biggest money gift to date has been $30. Ive been given chocolate and beer and a lady offered my something green that she was smoking 

[steve1]

If asked I have always stated that it is a voluntary service however as the service does involve some personal expense donations are appreciated.
I volunteer because I love reptiles and it gives me the opportunity to interact with animals I can't otherwise keep.
I have removed snakes from peoples homes where it is quite obvious they could not afford the $50 some relocators ask and I would feel guilty putting someone in an awkward position when they are often literally fearful for their lives. After all they did not ask for whats usually a highly venomous snake to enter their house.
I would love to see a system in place like the NT government where they contract removers who are also allowed to keep the animals. (Though apparently  nobody has ever see the contract out)


I'm also interested in peoples thoughts about this section of the Email.

REPTILE REMOVER VOLUNTEER CONSULTATION GROUP (RRCG)
To assist DEC with advice, information, training and support for volunteer reptile removers, the Community involvement Unit is establishing a small working group which will be known as the Reptile Removers Volunteer Consultation group (RRCG).

This group will comprise of approximately 3 – 6 volunteers and DEC staff, and will meet 3 - 4 times each year as necessary.  Draft “Terms of Reference” and Expression of Interest (EOI) forms are attached. 

EOIs of no more than three (3) pages to become part of this group are welcomed and should be forwarded to Hugh Maclean, Coordinator, Community Involvement, DEC, Locked bag 104, Bentley Delivery Centre, WA  6983  by 5 pm on Friday 20 July 2012 hugh.maclean@dec.wa.gov.au  fax: 9334 0221.

[azatherazza]

speaking of snake relocations. I just got a pic sent from a family in law in yanchep and it appears the silly kids brought home a small snake about 10-20cms that they ran over the tail and probably the reproductive organs with a skateboard. I told them to return it to where they found it but they found it on the road probably trying to heat up on the black surface. I am pretty sure its a bardick but thats just my guess ID based on its head shape and colour.

I have told them to contact DEC to come and grab the thing as they have it in a little tub. If anybody is local and wants to grab it instead I can provide address or call me on 0450424529

[steve1]

Are you able to post pic?

[carpetcleaner]

I once drove to Kendenup to save a Dugite that was trapped in bird netting next to a pond and slowly drowning. A 140km round trip.

[azatherazza]

Too late to be helped unfortunately. I told them to put it back in the bush before i saw the pic with its injury so now I guess nature will take its course. Here's a crappy camera phone picture they sent me. Appears to be a nice healthy snake apart from the injury of course. What kinda snake is it?

[Niall]

Yep it's a Bardick, often found in winter months sunning themselves.
Wouldn't of been able to do much to help it, if I did go pick it up.
Nature will take its course now

[steve1]

99% it's a Bardick

Hopefully it'll be ok I would have liked to have taken it for a few days to see how it went but ah well.

I wouldn't want to receive a full bite from one of these guys they can have a good old chew.

Yep it's a Bardick, often found in winter months sunning themselves.
Wouldn't of been able to do much to help it, if I did go pick it up.
Nature will take its course now

If it's down from the cloaca it may be ok and it looks like it may be.

[Niall]

To answer a few questions above.
Public liability insurence is normally $1500+ annual that covers up to $20 million (minimum standards for reg 16 holders).
I'll still be doing relocation since its interesting to see what is around in snake season.

Not too sure on the reptile consultation meeting group, not sure what it would really achieve.

[steve1]

Who's minimum standard?

[carpetcleaner]

I have a reg 16. Insurance is much higher if you keep Vens. I will continue to do snake relocations. Not sure what the group thing entails. I printed off the email but haven't read through it all yet.

[steve1]

Pretty sure a couple of my mates pay per event.