Joeys found mutilated in disturbing act of animal cruelty
WARNING – GRAPHIC DETAILS: Three joeys have been found grossly mutilated in Melbourne’s north in a disturbing act of animal cruelty.
The decapitated carcasses of the animals were found dumped in a new housing development, next to a nature reserve, within a few metres of each other.
Police are now investigating, and locals are worried that the person responsible might strike again.
Local resident Peter Walsh discovered one of the decapitated joeys while he was walking his dogs.
“Initially there was blood on the path and I had a look around to see all the blood and there was half a joey,” Mr Walsh said.
Caretaker Susanne Atzinger described the condition of the young kangaroos.
“It makes me quite teary,” she said.
“Two of them have had their head and the arms missing and the second one had their head cut off.
“It always makes me heavy in my heart, you know, I don’t know what to say.”
Police and the Banyule City Council are investigating the killings. They will consider installing cameras and putting up signage in the area to help catch the person responsible.
All native wildlife, including kangaroos, are protected in Victoria. It is an offence to kill or harm kangaroos. Perpetrators face large fines or even jail time.
There are fears that the few joeys left on the reserve will be targeted.
“It’s terrifying, it’s heartbreaking,” Mr Walsh said.
