Wildlife carers’ shock as up to 100 roos shot dead or run down in brutal slaughter

Wildlife carers have been left horrified by an indiscriminate slaughter in which almost 100 kangaroos were shot dead or run down and left to die in a remote location in central Victoria.

An at-foot joey stands over its dead mother after the slaughter of about 100 kangaroos south of Colbinabbin. Picture: Terra Mater Wildlife Shelter

Almost 100 kangaroos were shot dead or run down in an indiscriminate slaughter that has even shocked hardened wildlife carers.

The night-time massacre occurred in a remote location south of Colbinabbin in central Victoria and is now the subject of an investigation by the state’s Conservation Regulator.

Many shot roos were left to die in paddocks, while others were found dead or dying by the roadside after being deliberately run over.

Just one adult roo and two very small joeys survived.

Carer Tania Beggs from the Terra Mater Wildlife Shelter said the scene was one of carnage.

“We were literally mopping up.

“We found quite a few roos in one paddock at first and then another 50 in another paddock and several roos injured on the roadside,’’ Ms Beggs said.

The injuries were consistent with being hit by a vehicle, she said.

A dead kangaroo peppered with shotgun pellet wounds. Picture: Terra Mater Wildlife Shelter

“It was pretty horrific. It’s not uncommon to see a shot roo but once we see more and more it’s really distressing. Just overwhelming.

“It’s disgusting that people do this for fun.’’

Carers reported the incident directly to Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos at a wildlife roundtable event on Thursday.

Ms Beggs said that she wanted the minister to know how they spent their weekend and that it’s not uncommon for people living in regional Victoria to constantly hear gunshots.

“These people (the shooters) are dangerous, they are armed and they will hurt someone one day, whether they mean to or not.’’

The carer who runs the shelter with husband Sam said she was also concerned about how many injured roos hopped off and could be dying days later.

“They all weren’t shot dead instantly, about half died post-injury.’’

Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell says illegal shooting happens all too often. Picture: Rob Leeson

Since the incident, one at-foot joey has been returning to scene to sit by its dead mother.

The surviving adult roo, now named Heather, is recovering from shotgun wounds at the Red Box Shelter, Elphinstone.

Animal Justice Party MP Georgie Purcell said illegal shooting happens all too often.

“This is completely traumatic for the carers who are cleaning up the mess of illegal shooting and doing the job of authorised officers.’’

Ms Purcell said there was a conflict in the department because it not only had a conservation role but also issued permits for the shooting of roos.

“We feel that it’s hard to attract sympathy sometimes.’’

The state’s Conservation Regulator is investigating the incident, a spokeswoman said. Its officers attended the scene and found more than 65 roo carcasses and several used shotgun cartridges.

Anyone with information on the incident can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.