Good intentions can sometimes do more harm than good, is the message wildlife carer Dot Terry wants to get across to the public for the kangaroo breeding season.
'Pinkies', as baby roos are called before they get their fur, are extremely vulnerable and need around the clock care if they're to have any chance of survival without their mothers.
Ms Terry said with breeding underway her facility, Mandurah Just Joey Marsupial Care, received many 'pinkies' brought in by the public, but often it was too late to save them.
"People try to care for them and only bring them to us when they're on their last legs," Ms Terry said.
"It's very distressing as often we can't save them by the time they come to us."
By law, since January 2019, anyone finding a native bird or animal that needs care must give it to a Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) officer, a veterinarian or a trained and registered wildlife carer.
"Looking after our native species is far from simple and although people may have the best of intentions, it really is in the best interests of the animals to see they're cared for by someone with expert knowledge," Ms Terry said.
"There are also carers out there who aren't properly trained or registered, so people should check who they are giving animals to."
Ms Terry also said she felt the law change had not been widely publicised and it was up to carers such as herself and her volunteers to tell people.
"We've even had fridge magnets made up, explaining that members of the public are no longer permitted to keep or care for wildlife," Ms Terry said.
Just Joeys is available 24/7 for people to drop off wildlife, but is unable to attend rescues.
The organisation is a registered charity.
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