'He's mine': 'Horrific' video of kangaroo being mowed down
WARNING — DISTRESSING CONTENT: The source of a horrifying video shared online of a kangaroo being run over by farm machinery is being investigated by wildlife advocates.
In footage posted to a Yarra Valley Facebook group, a man believed to be inside the cabin of a tractor or combine harvester can be heard swearing before running the animal down.
“He’s mine, he’s f***ing mine,” the man shouts.
Victorian MP Andy Meddick issued a statement saying “immediate action” must be taken and the man chasing down the animal “appears to show intent to kill the kangaroo”.
He said that “extreme acts” of wildlife cruelty were on the rise in Victoria.
“I am calling on (Environment) Minister Lily D’Ambrosio to ensure this man is made an example of,” he said.
“He needs the book thrown at him.
“As shocking as this cruelty is, we will continue to see animals treated in this way while their recreational slaughter is permitted.
“We need to see real protection for our native animals, and we need to see it now.”
The man who posted the video online told Yahoo News Australia he didn’t film it himself. He said he was sent the video, and he added a caption and shared it.
While his post suggests the incident occurred at Melbourne's Chirnside Park, which has been the centre of a community outcry after a local golf course announced plans to slaughter a mob of kangaroos there, the man later said this location was inaccurate.
He declined to reveal the source of the video or how long ago he was sent it.
Following a short conversation with Yahoo News Australia, the man later added in a text message he was “sent it a while ago”.
Calls to investigate 'kangaroo snuff film'
Wildlife vet Dr Natasha Bassett characterised the video as a "kangaroo snuff film" and was calling for anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
"It's gratuitous animal cruelty footage," she said.
"Someone, somewhere will know something and we won’t stop until we find the perpetrator.
"I hope that the person (who posted the video) is open to assisting authorities with their investigations."
Lisa Palma, the CEO of Wildlife Victoria, said the video of the kangaroo death looked to depict a crime under the Wildlife Act and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
"It's a horrific and wanton act of wildlife cruelty," she said.
"The perpetrator needs to be brought to justice."
Investigation underway into kangaroo video
Victoria's Conservation Regulator confirmed it has received reports about the kangaroo's death.
"The Conservation Regulator takes all matters of animal cruelty seriously and is committed to investigating these allegations and will take strong action where offending has occurred," a spokesperson said.
Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said she has been left "deeply concerned" by the report, and added that the state's Wildlife Act is currently under review by an independent panel.
“The Conservation Regulator is investigating this report and I expect the regulator to take action against whoever is responsible if this act was found to be deliberate," she said.
“We are reviewing the Wildlife Act to ensure it is fit for purpose and deals appropriately with people who senselessly attack our wildlife."
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Department of Environment or CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
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