By I. Hansana, Jadetimes News
Mass Kangaroo Deaths Under Investigation in Regional Victoria
Authorities are investigating the deaths of at least 84 kangaroos, discovered with gunshot wounds and injuries consistent with being struck by vehicles in two separate locations in regional Victoria.
The state's Conservation Regulator launched the investigation after finding 65 dead juvenile and adult eastern grey kangaroos in Gobarup, central Victoria. Another 19 kangaroos were discovered about 270km west of Gobarup, near Hotham, exhibiting similar injuries.
In Gobarup, the bodies of the kangaroos were scattered across 190 hectares of land. The mass deaths were reported on June 22 by a local wildlife shelter that discovered dozens of dead marsupials in private paddocks. Three severely injured kangaroos had to be euthanized by a carer who found the animals, while two joeys were rescued and are currently being cared for by the shelter.
The Conservation Regulator has interviewed a landowner in Gobarup, who is not considered a suspect in the ongoing investigation. On June 23, 19 more eastern grey kangaroo bodies were found near Hotham. These deaths were reported by a wildlife carer following a tip off from a member of the public.
Authorities believe the killings at both sites occurred between 5 p.m. on June 21 and noon on June 23. In Victoria, it is illegal to hunt, destroy, or injure wildlife, with penalties exceeding $9,000 and up to six months in prison for each offence. Additional charges of animal cruelty can result in fines over $98,000 or up to two years in prison. The Conservation Regulator is urging anyone with information regarding these incidents to contact Crime Stoppers.
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