Tourists fined for burning quokka
Two French tourists have been fined $4000 each – and told they will stay in prison for seven days or until the fine is paid – after admitting to trying to set a quokka alight on Rottnest Island and filming the act described as “outrageous” by a magistrate.
Thibaud Jean Leon Vallete, 24, and Jean Mickael Batrikian, 18, both appeared in Fremantle Magistrates Court today pleaded guilty to animal cruelty, after burning the quokka using an aerosol can and a lighter on April 3.
The pair were casual workers on the island - but were immediately sacked and removed from the island, and then had their passports seized after being charged by police.
The two men ignited an aerosol spray with a lighter, causing a large flame to make contact with a quokka, singeing the animal in the process.
The video the pair made of their antics was played in court.
After it was told after the charges were made public, the pair said they had been threatened online, and now feared for their safety.
Magistrate Elizabeth Langdon was told the pair realised they had made a stupid and juvenile mistake, and were deeply remorseful.
