Eight koalas were removed by the RSPCA on Wednesday and are being cared for at an unknown location.

The raid has been criticised by Gunnedah veterinarian Dr David Amos for failing to follow proper protocol while the Koala Foundation Australia has called for ministerial intervention to resolve the issue.

Dr Amos told The Leader the RSPCA did not follow proper procedure when it failed to have the koalas independently assessed before removal.

“The normal thing that would happen if there’s a problem would be for the RSPCA to get in touch with the person or persons concerned, say ‘we’ve had a report and we’d like to come and investigate’,” he said.

Dr Amos said nine days before Wednesday’s raid an RSPCA inspector visited the park to look at some dingos.

“She (the inspector) had a look around generally, said everything was fine and she would be back soon to do some paperwork. No dramas, she went away.

“Nine days later a National Parks representative turned up with inspectors and a television crew unannounced.”

Dr Amos said correct protocol specified that had a problem been observed during the first visit, an independent specialist should have been called to look at the animal.

“Now that’s an independent, meaning not me, because I do work for the park, not somebody from National Parks, not someone from the RSPCA, but someone else to come and have a look,” he said.

Dr Amos questioned why, if the koalas were in such a mess, wait nine days and then come back with a television crew.

“It is laughable, but well worth noting, that the RSPCA has claimed the koalas were not properly nourished,” he said.

“Because after they bundled them up, they asked if they could take the leaves from the enclosure to munch on.

“If the things were neglected and didn’t have sufficient food why ask to take it with them.”

Dr Amos said he had visited the park many times but usually had animals brought to him.

“People pick up animals beside the road and bring them in and we do what we can, but for the nursing side of it I send them to Nancy because she is so blooming good at it,” he said.

“She knows more about koalas than what most people will ever know.”