Fatso Makes Bail After Run Arrested

Newcastle Herald

Saturday February 24, 2007

By TESS CAMPBELL

AN unusual inmate, found loitering in the city, was released from Maitland police station yesterday after spending a night in the lock-up.

A member of the public discovered the wombat, named "Fatso" by his guards, near the Reading Cinema complex and handed him to police about 2am.

Officers followed protocol, entering Fatso in the charge book and kept him secure in a cell until Native Animal Trust Fund carers could be contacted in the morning.

"I don't know if they took his prints," fund spokeswoman Audrey Koosman said.

"He seems healthy and well looked after. He will be assessed further in care.

"It is strange to see a wombat near Maitland. It's a first in the fund's 28 years."

A possible explanation is that the wombat was reared illegally as a domestic pet and escaped during bad weather, she said.

It is an offence to keep native wildlife without a licence.

© 2007 Newcastle Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home