General News
20 July, 2024
Police hunt sick kangaroo killers
Police and wildlife officers want to hunt down bloodthirsty culprits who massacred a mob of 19 eastern grey kangaroos.
The dead roos were discovered at Pine Lake near Horsham on Sunday June 23.
Their bodies had evidence of gunshot wounds and at least three had leg injuries consistent with being hit by a vehicle.
Officers also located shotgun shells and ATV tyre tracks in the vicinity.
The grisly find was confirmed by wildlife carer Stacy Whitehorse from Gerang Gerung Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre.
"A young family reported the case to Wildlife Victoria who then contacted me to go down there and check it out and see if there were any still alive," Ms Whitehorse said.
Ms Whitehorse said it was a horrific sight.
"Some were in the water, and that for me was really upsetting," she said.
The offences are suspected to have been committed between 5pm on Friday June 21 and 12pm on Sunday June 23.
"It's absolutely devastating to see," Ms Whitehorse said. "They are a part of our landscape, not for someone to selfishly destroy.
"This is not acceptable at all. Nobody should have to see that.
"Those who are cruel to animals usually have a tendency to be cruel to people."
Conservation Regulator authorised officers later inspected the site.
In a more recent incident just north of Rainbow, at least 19 Western Grey Kangaroos were shot and killed along the Wembulin Track on the edge of Lake Albacutya Park over the weekend of July 13-14.
It is the second mass killing of kangaroos along the border of the national park in a month, with a number of adult and juvenile animals at both scenes left wounded and needing to be euthanised due to extensive injuries.
The matter has been reported to authorities.
All wildlife, including kangaroos, are protected in Victoria under the Wildlife Act 1975.
It is illegal to hunt, take, destroy, injure or interfere with wildlife without authorisation.
Offenders could face a penalty of more than $9870 and/or six months in prison for each offence.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au