Case Snapshot

Case ID: 14563

Classification: Beating

Animal: other wildlife

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Kangaroo beating videotaped, youth sought
unknown, WA (AU)

Incident Date: Thursday, Sep 11, 2008

Disposition: Open
Case Images: 2 files available

Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!

The RSPCA has launched an Australia wide search for a youth who was video taped beating a kangaroo as his friend looks on laughing.

The video was sent to the RSPCA in WA and shows the youth using kickboxing style attacks on the kangaroo.

In one scene the man pulls the kangaroo towards him and uses his knee to deliver a blow to the animal's chest.

The final punch knocks the kangaroo to the ground where it appears to lie unconscious.

The RSPCA says it is unclear whether the attack resulted in the death of the animal.

A spokesman for the RSPCA, Richard Barry, says the organisation has launched a nationwide appeal to catch the men responsible for the footage.

"We are appealing to every media outlet in Australia to help us track down the cowards behind the vicious attack on this kangaroo," he said.

"Thankfully this sickening footage has now been removed from the website where it was first seen. The next stage is to ensure that those responsible for this film are brought to justice.

"Only a coward would attack an injured and obviously terrified young animal much smaller than himself. We want these cowards to be caught, charged and prosecuted.

"We are appealing to every media outlet in Australia to help us track down the culprits and we have also posted a photo of the youth at www.rspcawa.asn.au," he added.

The RSPCA also welcomes the support of the Western Australia Police in finding the perpetrators of this senseless attack.

Steve McLeod, a native wildlife expert, believes the animal was injured prior to being attacked: �The kangaroo is very disoriented. It is very unusual for a kangaroo to fight like that as they invariably flee. I would hazard a guess that it has been knocked over by the car and injured. Certainly it has been stunned in some way.�

The RSPCA across Australia has joined forces to launch a nationwide appeal to catch the cowards who shot this appalling footage.

�We are appealing to every media outlet in Australia to help us track down the cowards behind the vicious attack on this kangaroo,� said Richard Barry, spokesman for the RSPCA in WA.

�Thankfully this sickening footage has now been removed from the website where it was first seen. The next stage is to ensure that those responsible for this film are brought to justice.

�Only a coward would attack an injured and obviously terrified young animal much smaller than himself. We want these cowards to be caught, charged and prosecuted.

�We are appealing to every media outlet in Australia to help us track down the culprits and we have also posted a photo of the youth at www.rspcawa.asn.au

The RSPCA also welcomes the support of the Western Australia Police in finding the perpetrators of this senseless attack.

�The RSPCA is sending a clear message that this behaviour is not only unacceptable, it is against the law.

�People might think posting videos on the internet provides them some anonymity but the RSPCA is here to tell those people that when it comes to animal cruelty, we have zero tolerance and we will use every resource to track you down.�

If you know the identity of the youth in the video, contact your local RSPCA.

Catch this cowardIn WA the number to call is (08) 9209 9300

In Queensland call 1300 852 188

In NSW call (02) 9770 7555

In ACT call (02) 6287 8100

In SA call (03) 8231 6931

In Tasmania (03) 6332 8200

In Victoria (03) 9224 2222 or email [email protected]

Information will be treated as confidential.

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