Brutal ‘thrill kill’ leaves seven kangaroos dead in park shooting

Animal rights groups have offered a huge reward for information about the deaths of seven kangaroos after a brutal shooting spree in a park southeast of Melbourne. WARNING: Distressing images.

Surviving joey ‘Cardi’ after the brutal attack that left seven kangaroos dead.

Four kangaroos have been brutally shot dead in a barbaric “thrill kill” in a park southeast of Melbourne.

Wildlife rescuers made the grim discovery of the animals’ corpses in Cardinia Reservoir Park on November 4.

The shooting is believed to have taken place on either the night of November 3 or the following morning.

Another adult kangaroo had to be euthanised at the scene while one was wounded.

Three joeys were orphaned as a result of the shooting, two of which did not survive.

The surviving joey has been christened “Cardi” and is being raised by a wildlife carer.

Animal rights groups have taken the rare step of offering a cash reward of $10,000 for information which leads to a conviction.

The brutal slaying left seven roos dead. Picture: Vicki Clarke

“We cannot ignore acts of cruelty like this,” Victorian Kangaroo Alliance (VKA) spokeswoman Jane Gibb said.

“Our community stands firmly against such heinous behaviour and demands accountability.

“With the generous contribution from appalled community members, we are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for this horrifying crime.”

The reward money has been jointly raised between the VKA, the Gariwerd Animal Biodiversity Alliance (GABA) and Advocacy for a Kinder World (AKW).

Ms Gibb said the groups had taken the unusual decision to cobble together money for a reward because of an increase in recent illegal animal killings.

Almost 100 kangaroos were run over or shot in an indiscriminate slaughter in Central Victoria in June.

One of the wounded kangaroos. Picture: Vicki Clarke

“We’ve seen an increase in the number of these sorts of events in recent times,” Ms Gibb said.

“In response to that, we’ve decided to try and help the police get a conviction on some of these incidents and raise awareness.”

Illegally hunting, taking or destroying protected wildlife, such as the eastern grey kangaroo, is punishable by a fine of up to $8,261 and/or six months imprisonment, but convictions are rare.

Anyone with knowledge of Cardinia Reservoir Park shooting was encouraged to contact Emerald Police (5954 0200), Crime Stoppers (1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au), or [e-mail].