Kangaroo shot with arrow in 'senseless act of barbaric cruelty'

WARNING – GRAPHIC CONTENT: An animal rescue centre has released images of a kangaroo who they said was the victim of a “sick and cruel bastard” with a bow and arrow in a protected park.

Five Freedoms Animal Rescue wrote on Facebook the kangaroo was the target of a “senseless act of barbaric cruelty” at protected Lysterfield Park in Melbourne.

“The arrow penetrated the kangaroo’s leg and its tip caused serious injury to the kangaroo’s neck,” a spokesperson for the wildlife centre posted on social media, along with several photos of the injured kangaroo.

“Even the worst fires in Victoria’s history didn't distract this cruel person from attacking an animal for fun,” the rescue group wrote.

The kangaroo was found by wildlife rescuers “hunched over in pain” who rushed the roo to Woofpurnay Veterinary Hospital for surgery where the arrow was “cut in half for removal.”

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An act of ‘evil’

Users on Facebook reacted strongly to the images calling the person responsible for the injury “evil” and praised the work of the animal rescuers.

“This is terrible and a disgusting act of cruelty especially at a time where so many animals are suffering,” one person said.

“No words. Just thankful that the caring veterinarians and volunteers who rescued and treated the kangaroo showed the best side of humanity,” another added.

Five Freedoms Animal Rescue called for greater control over the sale of archery equipment and said animals injured by arrows were not uncommon.

“They are weapons and people can’t be trusted,” the post read.

The buck, now dubbed Frank, is in recovery in the last available enclosure in the shelter.

“It is always upsetting to witness such disgusting and unnecessary acts of cruelty, but it is even worse at this time as we are desperately preparing for an influx of fire victims,” Five Freedoms Animal Rescue wrote.

“Unfortunately, our animals continue to suffer in many ways and not just from the fires, and our work continues, and this beautiful big boy needs our help.”

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