Police cracking down on thugs hunting kangaroos with dogs at Coombabah Wetlands
Kangaroos at the Coombabah wetlands have been attacked and mauled by dogs as “thug” locals hunt the native animals. Now police are patrolling the area to catch the hunters.
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POLICE are patrolling the Coombabah wetlands to stamp out thugs and their dogs hunting kangaroos and other wildlife.
Area councillor Kristyn Boulton has expressed outrage at the incidents, and called on locals to be on the lookout for offenders and to report them immediately.
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“We want to put a stop to this before it gets out of control,” she warned.
“I have had a discussion with local police, who have told me they will carry out patrols in the area, which is really good news.
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“I strongly condemn this kangaroo hunting and I don’t want this type of activity taking a hold in our wetlands area,” she said.
Cr Boulton was responding to complaints by visitors to and residents at The Estuary about thugs brining their vicious, mixed-breed dogs into the area at night to hunt and maul kangaroos.
A man visiting the reserve recently dived into waist-deep water to save a kangaroo being mauled by dogs, while the owners of the vicious hounds abused him from the riverbank.
The Gold Coast City Council and RSPCA are both investigating the hunts, and the RSPCA has warned offenders face fines of up to $30,000.
Cr Boulton confirmed council officers were working closely with the RSPCA to investigate complaints from residents.
“My office has had a couple of calls about these incidents and I am urging locals in the Coombabah wetlands who see anything to report it,” she said.
“Previously, I have heard rumours about dogs hunting kangaroo in the area and it has to be stopped. I just don’t know what motivates people to do this.
“These vicious dogs are not on leashes and could be used as weapons. Their owners need to be more responsible.”
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Cr Boulton said local schools were also committed to protecting their native wildlife.
She urged residents to report incidents to the RSPCA on 1300 264 625 or the Gold Coast City Council on 1300 465 326.
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