Anger at cruel acts

Wallabies shot by arrows, left to die

BONORONG Wildlife Sanctuary director Greg Irons has called for mandatory jail time in animal cruelty cases after a bow and arrow was used to maim two wallabies.

The first of the Bennetts wallabies was discovered nearly drowning in water with an arrow stuck in its back at Cambridge on Wednesday. Another was then spotted with an arrow through its face near Roches Beach on Thursday. Both have been euthanised. Mr Irons yesterday put forward a $1000 reward for information leading to the perpetrators.

It remains unclear whether the incidents were linked.

“This is a despicable act by some real lowlifes,” he said.

“These cowards who get out there and do something like this will have bragged to their mates and told other people.

“Grow some balls and come forward, because if you don’t, you may as well have shot the animals yourself and you’re as weak as the people who did this.”

Mr Irons said he believed more animals would have been killed or injured as part of the “sick fun” — and warned they were not isolated incidents.

“We have a terrible history in Tasmania of absolutely pathetic punishments for people doing barbaric things to animals,” Mr Irons said.

“All they get is a slap on the wrist, it’s absolutely no deterrent at all.

“I believe jail time should absolutely be mandatory in wildlife cruelty cases. How else do we get the message across.”

Under state legislation, licensed hunters can shoot Bennetts wallabies and Tasmanian pademelons for sport and recreation, to protect crops and pastures, and for the commercial trade in meat and skins. But the use of chemicals, poisons, spears and bows and arrows is prohibited.

A Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment spokesman yesterday confirmed an investigation was under way.

“All reports of alleged harming of wildlife are regarded extremely seriously by the department with maximum penalties of fines for such offences being up to $50,400 and/or a maximum custodial sentence of up to 12 months imprisonment under the Animal Welfare Act,” he said.

Greens environment spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff condemned the arrow attacks and said there was no excuse for animal abuse.

She said the team at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary should be commended for their animal welfare advocacy.

“These barbaric acts show the worst of human behaviour and will deeply distress many Tasmanians,” Dr Woodruff said.

“We hope those responsible for these cruel acts are caught. Tasmania’s wildlife, as with all animals, deserves strong legislative protection, that must be enforced.”

Anyone with information about the incidents should contact DPIPWE’s Wildlife Operations Section on 0417 661 234 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.