Kangaroos killed in rabbit cull gone wrong on prominent golf course
A mob of kangaroos have been killed in a rabbit cull gone wrong, with fleeing roos hit by cars in front of children in an estate in Melbourne’s south east.
South East
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Kangaroos have been tragically killed in a rabbit cull gone wrong at a prestigious golf course, with terrified roos struck by cars after bounding onto a busy road to escape the shooting.
The shocking incident took place at Settlers Run Golf and Country Club near Cranbourne in front of horrified parents and kids.
The mob of about 30 kangaroos and joeys were seen frantically smashing into moving and parked cars on a busy road with some becoming trapped on metal picket fences in Botanic Ridge.
It’s understood about eight kangaroos and a joey were killed by cars.
Resident Michelle Brown said it was the “most horrendous’ sight she had ever seen.
“My children witnessed the carnage on our property because the kangaroos came onto our driveway,” she told Leader.
“They saw a kangaroo break its leg on our steps and a joey thrown from its mum when they were jumping over our fence.”
Ms Brown said wildlife carers were called out to help the badly injured roos.
In video footage captured by Ms Brown, an injured kangaroo can be seen fleeing the golf course while stumbling away with a broken leg.
She said the kangaroo was later euthanised.
“They were all so fatigued they kept tripping over, it was awful,” Ms Brown said.
“It was absolutely the most horrendous thing I have had to watch.
“Someone needs to be held accountable for this disgraceful decision.”
Settlers Run Golf and Country Club general manager Tim Hanton said no kangaroos were shot during the cull by vermin control specialists 077 Reload.
Mr Hanton said the kangaroos were “spooked” off the property.
Jack from 007 Reload told Leader that he had been conducting rabbit culls on the property for 15 years.
“I’ve never seen that many kangaroos before,” he said.
He said all safety and legal requirements were met.
On its website, Settlers Run spruiks itself as premium destination, featuring a “championship” golf course.
A picture of kangaroos is one of the main backdrop images on the website’s landing page.
Police attended the scene, and a WorkSafe spokeswoman said it was making inquiries.
A Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning spokesman said: “The Conservation Regulator takes all matters of animal cruelty seriously and will take strong action where offending has occurred.”
