Dead wombats found in shocking animal cruelty case
In a shocking case of animal cruelty, four wombats have been shot dead and dumped on the side a road in the Macedon Ranges. Now wildlife carers who have been devastated by the heinous crime are pleading for the public’s help to find those responsible.
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Wombats were shot dead and dumped on the side of the road in a series of shocking animal cruelty cases in regional Victoria.
Four dead wombats have been found in Pastoria, 30km east of Kyneton, in the past six weeks.
Two of them had been struck by bullets and all had sustained extensive injuries.
Each of the animals were found dumped along Prendergasts Lane, which is unsealed and surrounded by bush.
The deaths are being examined by the Conservation Regulator and anyone with information is urged to come forward.
Killing or harming protected wildlife is a serious offence, with aggravated animal cruelty charges carrying a maximum two-year jail term and fines in excess of $80, 000.
Last week a wombat had to be euthanised after it was discovered with extensive injuries caused by an illegal homemade trap in Gruyere.
The State Government has launched an investigation to find the culprit after a nearby resident reported the horrific trapping in the Warramate Hills Nature Conservation Reserve to a wildlife shelter on Saturday, May 16.
Anyone with information should make a report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.