An estimated 84 kangaroos have been found dead from both gunshot wounds and traumatic injuries in two different locations in regional Victoria.
The state’s Conservation Regulator is actively investigating these gruesome incidents to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The first discovery was made in Gobarup, central Victoria, where at least 65 juvenile and adult eastern grey kangaroos were found dead across 190 hectares of land.
The authorities were alerted to this mass death by a local wildlife shelter on June 22. The carer who discovered the bodies had to euthanize three live kangaroos due to their severe injuries.
Two joeys were rescued and are now being cared for by the shelter. Officers have spoken with a landowner in the area who is not considered a suspect.
The second site, located about 270 km west of Gobarup near Horsham, revealed another 19 dead kangaroos.
The bodies were discovered on June 23, following a report from a member of the public to a wildlife carer.
The killings at both sites are believed to have occurred between 5 pm on June 21 and noon on June 23.
Hunting, destroying, or injuring wildlife in Victoria is illegal, with penalties reaching over $9,000 and six months in prison for each offense.
Additional animal cruelty charges can result in fines exceeding $98,000 or up to two years in prison.
This article by Trinity Sparke was first published by One Green Planet on 14 July 2024. Image Credit :LCAT Productions/Shutterstock.
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