By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
A 19-YEAR-OLD from Narre Warren was charged on summons last month after a bird was shot with an arrow at Wilson’s Promontory.
The teenager was charged with aggravated cruelty following the incident in which the bird was shot at Shallow Inlet, in Wilson Promontory National Park, on Sunday 28 December.
The bird has still not been located by authorities.
Wildlife Victoria spokeswoman Amy Amato said there had been an increase over summer of animals being impaled by objects – many of which appeared intentional.
“We’re getting lots of calls about this sort of thing,” she said.
“It’s been a reoccurrence over the last month or so, this holiday period we’ve seen an increase in these types of incidents.
“Whether people are just on holidays and it’s turning into this, I don’t know.”
Ms Amato said the recently recorded incidents included the use of items such as “spear-like devices” and kebab skewers.
“It’s absolutely despicable, it’s disgusting what people can do to an innocent animal,” Ms Amato said.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or Wildlife Victoria on 1300 094 535.
