Sad truth behind viral dog and kangaroo fight

A clip of a kangaroo and dog fighting on an Aussie street made national headlines – now the heartbreaking truth behind it has been revealed.

A local kangaroo rescue has revealed the upsetting truth behind a viral video of a dog fighting with one of the native animals.

Owner of Sues Roos, Sue Johnston has been rescuing kangaroos for 20 years and said she was “furious” when she came across the footage — which was taken in Rowville, south-east of Melbourne last Tuesday evening.

“I have known the kangaroo in the clip for four years,” she said.

“He is a gentle creature.”

The footage shows a large kangaroo balancing on its hind legs and tail as a black and white Aussie shepherd barks and chases it.

The chaotic scene is captured by a driver who appears to be boxing the animals in, guiding them towards a busy roundabout.

The dog is believed to have chased the kangaroo onto the road. Picture: Facebook/TheTodayShow

Nigel the kangaroo balances on his legs and tail and he defends himself. Picture: Facebook/TheTodayShow

While some took the opportunity to laugh at “the most Australian thing you’ve ever seen”, Ms Johnston has revealed the heartbreaking truth behind the footage.

She says the kangaroo, who she identified as local roo Nigel, has not been seen since the fight broke out.

Ms Johnston says that the incident began in a local park where Nigel often coexists with dogs.

She revealed that Nigel has become a frequent visitor of the spot which provides great grass and native trees

“Most people love that he’s there. They visit him, take photos and keep their dogs away.”

However, things took a turn for the worse this time.

A photo of Nigel in happier times. Picture: Sues Roos

“He was chased from the park by this dog who was being walked off leash and clearly not under control,” she said.

She revealed that while running from the dog, Nigel was clipped by a car – leading the shepherd to catch up to him.

Ms Johnston says that once the owner finally caught up with the dog, Nigel was left terrified, with a foot injury and suffering myopathy.

“The dog was fine.

“If Nigel really wanted to hurt that dog then that dog would not be here now. He was simply defending himself,” she added.

A second clip shared by Ms Johnston shows a red Volkswagen driving towards Nigel and the dog as a driver starts filming.

The clip then pans to Nigel after the ordeal, still leaning on his tail as he frantically looks around.

He can then be seen quickly hopping away with what Ms Johnston says appears to be an injured foot.

Sue believes the kangaroo could be at serious risk of dying after its encounter. Picture: Facebook/SoosRoos

Nigel was left terrified, with a foot injury and suffering myopathy. Picture: Facebook/SuesRoos

“In the mind of the kangaroo he was being attacked by a dog, cars and people, while trapped by a car.”

Ms Johnston said she knows Nigel’s movements well, however, she has been “unable to find him now.”

“Hopefully, he has just been frightened enough from the idiots of this suburb to stay in the bush and he is not dying a slow and painful death.”

Myopathy is a stress-related condition that is common in kangaroos. Just three minutes of being chased is enough for a kangaroo to enter this condition.

Tragically, there is little chance of recovery for kangaroos who experience this, as it destroys the muscles and eventually poisons their kidneys.

The Victorian Kangaroo Alliance told news.com.au that “there’s every chance Nigel did not survive.”

“Nigel is a well known gentle giant, beloved and admired by many in the community. I was horrified to see him fighting for his life against an uncontrolled dog,” Alyssa Wormald, president of the organisation said.

“Nigel was chased from his home into the middle of traffic, and despite his size, he is a prey animal defending himself out of necessity, not aggression.

“If he has not died, he will be suffering and in need of care.”

Originally published as Sad truth behind viral dog and kangaroo fight