By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
WILDLIFE Victoria CEO Karen Masson said yesterday she was appalled by a horrific act of animal cruelty in which a kangaroo was decapitated, had its tail cut off and dumped on a local bike track near Lysterfield Lake last month.
Endeavour Hills police are currently investigating the incident in which the dead roo was discovered on the bike track on Monday 23 February and reported by a member of the public.
It’s understood the kangaroo was killed between 8pm on Sunday 22 February and 10am on Monday.
Hot on the heels of this gruesome killing, 11 dead kangaroos were found dumped near a business in Warrandyte on Tuesday 24 February.
Ms Masson said she was revolted by the Lysterfield discovery and urged anyone with information to come forward to police.
“We’re just appalled that people would do that to any animal, let alone one of our iconic wildlife,” she said.
“We’re certainly asking any member of public to assist us if they have any information.
“We need to make sure the message is out there to report these incidents as soon as possible because they are crimes.”
A Parks Victoria spokesperson confirmed the kangaroo’s injuries were “consistent with use of a sharp implement rather than an attack from another animal”.
There was no suspicious behaviour in the area at the time the kangaroo was discovered, according to Parks Victoria.
The police are early in their investigation and have urged anyone with information about the harrowing incident to come forward.
Kangaroos are protected wildlife under the National Parks Act.
In 2013, a kangaroo was killed in Endeavour Hills after being shot with two arrows.
Anyone with any information about the latest kangaroo attack is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Wildlife Victoria can be contacted on 1300 094 535.
