RSPCA WA has issued a call for information following a spate of cruel and senseless violent attacks on kangaroos in Bunbury.
The animal welfare organisation has received four separate reports of kangaroos being injured over the past month, the latest on 15 July.
RSPCA WA’s South West Inspector, Genna Haines, says details of the attacks are harrowing.
‘In one case, it appears a kangaroo had his legs cut off while he was still alive,’ Inspector Haines said.
‘In another, a mother and joey had their legs broken and were left alive, unable to hop. They had to be humanely euthanised. A third incident involved decapitation.’
‘These are cruel, crude and deliberate acts that would have caused immense suffering, and I am urging anyone with information to come forward and report it.’
It is believed separate, similar incidents have also taken place.
The reported attacks occurred around ECU and Manea College Bunbury, as well as bushland in the suburbs of Usher, College Grove and Carey Park.
Inspector Haines said the limited CCTV vision and witness accounts are from nighttime and therefore don’t offer any definitive detail. However, she hopes it will be enough to move this case forward.
‘What we do know is these attacks appear to have been carried out by a small group of young men in utes or on mopeds or motorbikes.
‘I suspect the perpetrators would have told someone something about these assaults and I know they will have family members, friends or colleagues who will be appalled by the details of these cases.
‘Therefore, if anyone knows anything about these attacks, I urge them to contact the RSPCA WA Cruelty Hotline on 1300 278 350 or go to rspcawa.org.au to make a report.’
The maximum penalty for an animal cruelty conviction is a $50,000 fine and five years in jail.
RSPCA WA is working with City of Bunbury rangers, WA Police and the Department of Conservation, Biodiversity and Attractions as part of its investigation into these cases.
