THERE is growing concern about the mysterious beheading of more than a dozen kangaroos in Melbourne's northeast in the past three weeks. The decapitated carcases of 15 kangaroos have been found in the suburbs of Yarrambat, Research and Hurstbridge since the middle of July, but authorities are at a loss as to who or what is the culprit. The lack of intact remains – most have been badly decomposed or burnt – has hampered investigations by the RSPCA, Parks Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment.
Twelve of the deaths have been on the Yarrambat Park golf course, which has a kangaroo population of between 200 and 300, while three have been found along the side of roads in Research and Hurstbridge.
Nillumbik Shire official Deb Ganderton said all of the kangaroos had been decapitated – but none of the heads had been found. She said both mature and young roos had been killed, with the most recent report last week. "We're calling on the public and neighbours to keep their eye out," Ms Ganderton said. "We need a carcass so we can take it to the RSPCA or a vet so we can find out more about the decapitations.
"Is it dogs, or is it someone shooting them?"
There have been no reports by neighbours of gun shots near where any of the dead kangaroos have been found.
RSPCA senior inspector Catherine Smith appealed for anyone with information about the decapitations to come forward. She said the bodies of the dead kangaroos had been destroyed each time before they could be inspected for evidence gathering.
Ms Smith said anyone who killed kangaroos without a licence could be prosecuted under the Wildlife Act or Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, which each have maximum penalties of $12,000 and 12 months imprisonment. |