South West Rocks: Kangaroo death at Horseshoe Bay Beach being treated as act of animal cruelty
Police are investigating animal cruelty as the likely cause of death of a Kangaroo that was found limp and lifeless on top of a Horseshoe Bay Beach toilet block this morning.
Mid-North Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Mid-North Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Pregnant woman punched by man, 77, in parking dispute
- Bail varied for teacher, 27, on child sex charges
A Kangaroo found lifeless and limp lying with its head hung over the side of a public toilet block at South West Rocks is being investigated by police as an act of animal cruelty.
About 7am this morning officers from Mid-North Coast Police District were called to Horseshoe Bay Beach after reports a dead Kangaroo was found on top of the beach’s amenities block.
By the time police arrived, the animal had been removed.
Kempsey Police Inspector Martin Burke told The Mid-North Coast News the assistance of nearby CCTV footage would be key to determining the circumstances behind its death.
“Ultimately, the inquiries that we are looking at this stage are animal cruelty,” Inspector Burke said.
“If we see that a Kangaroo has been killed and thrown up there on purpose, then we are dealing with a serious aggravated animal cruelty offence.
“We are looking at CCTV footage and liaising with council.
“Generally council will be our go to people as there may have been workers around who possibly saw the Kangaroo and removed it while carrying out their normal duties.
“That will be our first inquiry, but if anyone has got any information they can contact South West Rocks Police.”
He said human intervention was the only possible way the animal could have come to be there.
“There is no possible way that the Kangaroo would have jumped up on there, so it’s obviously happened some other way – now we need to try and rationalise what’s happened,” Inspector Burke said.
The maximum penalty for aggravated animal cruelty is two years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $22, 000.
“The animal cruelty angle will be the primary focus of our investigation.”
Anyone with information who might be able to assist are advised to contact South West Rocks police on 6566 6244.