Kangaroos found beheaded Coffs Coast, VIC (AU)Incident Date: Saturday, Jan 1, 2011
Disposition: Open
Suspect(s) Unknown - We need your help!
AUTHORITIES are investigating the disturbing mutilation of kangaroos on the Coffs Coast.
The most recent this week saw a wallaby cruelly killed and dumped at Emerald Heights.
RSPCA and National Parks and Wildlife rangers believed a samurai sword or machete was used to behead the animal.
It's the third attack of its kind on kangaroos and wallabies at Emerald Heights and follows similar incidents in the past at Safety Beach.
Those investigating the crimes are completely stumped why anyone would want to harm a placid animal in such a way.
"This is extremely troubled behavior and not the first attack we've seen on kangaroos or wallabies in the area," RSPCA regional inspector Andrew Kelly said.
"What is most concerning is the motivation behind these attacks.
Mr Kelly said police have been informed and investigations are under way.
Alerting the public to the sickening attacks, rangers hope the public may be able to provide information identifying who's responsible.
"We can't work out why the bodies of the animals are always found, but not the heads," Coffs Harbour NPWS ranger Ann Walton said.
"We thought maybe that fishermen were responsible using the heads in crab pots, but anglers we have spoken too have said most likely fishermen would use the whole animal, so we just don't know why someone would do this?
If prosecuted the offender or offenders face considerable penalties.
Aside from police charges for using prohibited weapons to harm animals, the culprits face prosecution by the RSPCA for animal cruelty.
This offence carries a maximum $10,000 fine and five years' imprisonment.
Meanwhile, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has its own offence of causing harm to a protected species.
Anyone who has information surrounding these sickening attacks is urged to call the RSPCA hotline on 1300CRUELTY. If you have information on this case, please contact: RSPCA 1300CRUELTY
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