CROSSBOW CRUELTY LEADS TO ROO DEATH
THE hunt is on for one or more cruel cowards who twice shot a kangaroo with crossbow arrows in Winchelsea, leading to the animal’s “inhumane suffering” and death.
The Conservation Regulator — who identifies, investigates and prosecutes those responsible for wildlife crimes in Victoria — has launched an investigation into the shooting of the eastern grey kangaroo, which was found at Wurdiboluc Reservoir on August 29 with two crossbow bolts protruding from its body.
The animal was put down because of the severe injuries.
Kangaroos are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and penalties for illegally hunting, taking or destroying protected wildlife include a maximum $8261 fine and up to six months’ imprisonment.
The regulator revealed forensic examination of the crossbow bolts was underway and appealed for any witnesses to the crime to come forward.
“The arrows that were removed from this kangaroo were designed for shooting at targets, not killing animals,” Barwon South West regulatory operations manager Glenn Sharp said.
“As such, this attack led to inhumane suffering before the kangaroo was put down.
“Harming wildlife is not only illegal, it is cruel. That’s why there are significant penalties, with offenders potentially facing substantial fines and time in prison.
“We’re encouraging anyone who may have information about this crime to contact
Crime Stoppers, as even a small amount of information may lead to a significant outcome.”
Surf Coast Wildlife Rescue’s Jason Cichocki — who responded to the reports of the injured animal — said he was enraged by the cowardly act, and revealed the kangaroo had likely spent a whole week suffering before he was found.
“It’s something that’s really upset me from the point of view that not only was this particular kangaroo what you would call an alpha male, he is the protector of the animals on the Wurdiboluc Reservoir,” Mr Cichocki said.
“So the main reason he would have been a target is due to the fact he’s an alpha male who protects the mob.
“As somebody has approached them, the rest of the mob would have taken off, but not this guy, he stood up to protect the mob, and that’s when this person has targeted him.
“And the most shocking part of this whole story is, not only was he targeted once … this particular person then followed him and proceeded to hunt him down again and shoot him again.”
Anyone with information about the kangaroo shooting is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.