The killing of Kevin the kookaburra at the Parkerville Tavern has resulted in a $2500 fine for a Gidgegannup man.

Daniel Welfare left the country and was on the receiving end of death threats when he was accused by patrons at the pub of ripping off the head of the much loved bird last month (October 25).

The fine from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions is the first time the maximum penalty for “unlawful take of fauna” has been used in WA since being introduced at the start of the year.

WA Police handed the case back to the DBCA following Commissioner Chris Dawson’s comments that charges were imminent.

Camera Icon Daniel Welfare Credit: Nine News

Mr Welfare will have to pay the fine or challenge the infringement in court.

A lawyer for Mr Welfare did not wish to provide a comment.

Patrons at the tavern claimed Mr Welfare grabbed the kookaburra, a regular chip thief, when it landed on his plate and he allegedly pulled off its head and threw the body under the table.

Environment Minister Stephen Dawson said he was glad action had been taken.

“This was a despicable act,” he said.

The RSPCA and the Department of Primary Industries and Development are still investigating.

Initially the RSPCA said it was powerless to punish the man under the Animal Welfare Act because the kookaburra’s swift death did not meet minimum thresholds for cruelty and suffering.