Two kangaroos shot in cruel acts

THE Department of Parks and Wildlife is calling for the public to help identify people responsible for shooting two kangaroos with arrows in separate incidents in Perth last week.

An adult kangaroo died at Yanchep National Park after being shot with a bow and arrow and then run over with a motorcycle.

In another incident, an adult male kangaroo was shot in the ankle at Melville Glades Golf Club in Leeming.

The 'roo was later tranquillised by wildlife officers and taken to Perth Zoo to have the arrow surgically removed.

Senior wildlife officer Rick Dawson urged the public to call the department’s Wildcare Helpline if they had information on the shootings.

“Firing arrows into defenceless native animals is cruel and unacceptable behaviour,” Mr Dawson said.

“The department is investigating both incidents and we are asking for the public’s assistance to identify those responsible.”

Mr Dawson said the kangaroo shot near Yanchep Inn, at Yanchep National Park, was discovered on April 11 by a ranger, several days after its death.

“There were two bloodied arrows found near the body and tyre tracks indicating that a motorbike had run over its neck,” he said.

“The Leeming kangaroo was lucky that the arrow had not damaged a bone, although it had gone all the way through the ankle flesh.

“After being successfully treated by Perth Zoo vets on Sunday, this animal was able to be released back into the resident kangaroo population at the golf club.”

Members of the public can report cruelty or injuries to native animals by calling the department’s Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055.

Under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950, the penalty for injuring or killing kangaroos is a fine of $4000.

However, if a person is cruel to, or inflicts unnecessary harm upon, an animal the person is liable under the Animal Welfare Act 2002 to a penalty of up to $50,000 and five years’ imprisonment. 

Source: Mandurah Mail