4338.212 · July 31, 2018 AD
Armed Raid on New Norfolk Pet Shop Leaves Two Hospitalised
Regional correspondent Meredith Sadler reports on a violent confrontation at The Whispering Menagerie in New Norfolk, where masked intruders stormed the exotic pet shop on 30 July 2018. Owner Johnny Ryman and one attacker were hospitalised. Police suspect the Southern Protection Front, a fringe animal liberation group, though no animals were taken and a forced cabinet's contents remain undisclosed. Authorities seek witnesses while assuring the public the incident was targeted.
Title: Armed Raid on New Norfolk Pet Shop Leaves Two Hospitalised
Byline: Meredith Sadler, Regional Correspondent
Publication: The Tasmanian Observer
Date: 31 July 2018
A New Norfolk pet shop was the scene of a violent confrontation on Monday evening when masked intruders stormed the premises, leaving two people hospitalised and police searching for multiple suspects.
The Whispering Menagerie, a High Street fixture for over two decades, was targeted in what authorities believe was a coordinated attack by animal liberation activists. Owner Johnny Ryman, 53, remains in Royal Hobart Hospital with injuries sustained during the incident. His condition is described as stable.
A second individual, believed to be one of the attackers, was also transported to hospital in serious condition. Police have not released the individual's identity pending further investigation.
The attack occurred shortly before 7pm as the shop was preparing to close. Witnesses reported hearing shouting, followed by the sound of breaking glass and at least two gunshots. Emergency services arrived within minutes of the first triple-zero call.
"It was chaos," said one nearby business owner who declined to be named. "Glass everywhere, alarms going off. I saw people running—three, maybe four of them. They had balaclavas on."
Senior Constable Peter Chalwick of New Norfolk Police confirmed that significant damage was sustained to the shop's interior, including several aquariums and display cases. A locked storage cabinet in the rear of the premises was also forced open, though the contents have not been disclosed.
Notably, despite the apparent animal liberation motive, no animals appear to have been removed from the property. Tasmania Police are working with the RSPCA to assess the welfare of the remaining livestock.
Investigators believe the attack may be linked to the Southern Protection Front, a fringe environmental group that has previously claimed responsibility for acts of property damage targeting industries it considers harmful to wildlife. SPF-affiliated graffiti was found near the scene, though police have not confirmed whether the organisation has claimed direct responsibility.
"This appears to have been a targeted incident," said Constable Chalwick. "We have no reason to believe the broader community is at risk, but we are appealing for anyone with information to come forward."
Mr Ryman, a former educator who has operated the Whispering Menagerie since 1997, is well known in the Derwent Valley community. The shop has previously faced criticism from animal welfare advocates over its trade in exotic species, though it has never been subject to regulatory action.
Police are seeking witnesses and reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding businesses. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
