Montana hunting enthusiast Sam Jones has sparked considerable outrage after a video surfaced online showing her picking up a baby wombat from the roadside while its mother watched in distress. The incident has drawn swift condemnation from animal rights advocates and has attracted the attention of the Department of Home Affairs in Australia.
Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke, announced that the department is investigating whether Jones has violated any conditions of her tourist visa through her actions in the video. He indicated that a comprehensive review of her visa status is underway, suggesting that the negative attention surrounding the incident could impact her future visa applications.
Animal advocacy group PETA has called for Jones to face penalties and have her visa revoked for her interaction with the wildlife. They proposed that she should also contribute financially to wildlife rehabilitation organisations assisting animals affected by Cyclone Alfred. PETA’s senior campaigns advisor, Mimi Bekhechi, expressed that while Jones cannot undo the distress caused to the mother wombat and her joey, she can aid other wildlife in need by donating to certified rescue groups.
In the now-removed footage, Jones was seen taking the young wombat before returning it to the roadside after a brief period. She described the experience, intended for her Instagram audience of 92,000 followers, as a “dream” come true. However, this act of handling a native animal was met with disapproval, with Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) veterinarian Dr. Tania Bishop declaring herself “appalled” by the encounter, stating that such treatment of wildlife is entirely unacceptable.
The incident’s location has not been disclosed, but it highlights the legal protections for Australian native animals, which are safeguarded under both state and federal legislation. In several regions, including the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, and Tasmania, it is illegal to take, harm, or capture native species. Despite the public uproar, no formal charges have yet been made against Jones.
Following the backlash, Jones has set her Instagram account to private, apparently attempting to mitigate the ongoing criticism. As investigations continue, many commentators have expressed the desire to see enhanced scrutiny of her actions, with some suggesting that any further interactions with Australian wildlife could lead to lasting repercussions. The case emphasises the critical need for awareness of and respect for wildlife laws in Australia.