Victoria: Wallaby shot dead in spate of arrow attacks on native wildlife

A wallaby has been found dead with a protruding arrow amid a spate of similar attacks in outer Melbourne. WARNING: Graphic images

WARNING: Graphic images

Disturbing images have emerged of a dead wallaby wounded by an arrow in the third such attack recently in outer Melbourne.

Victoria’s Conservation Regulator is appealing for information after a black wallaby was shot dead with multiple archery arrows in Yan Yean, northeast of Melbourne.

The dead wallaby was found on Ridge Road at 8am last Wednesday.

Authorities say it’s the third native animal death caused by arrows in the past fortnight in outer Melbourne.

It comes after two sulphur-crested cockatoos were shot in the head at Wandin North in the week prior.

One of the cockatoos was caught by a wildlife carer and euthanised, while the other was not caught and died days later.

“This is a horrific and wanton act of animal cruelty to shoot an animal with an arrow,” Wildlife Victoria chief executive Lisa Palma said on Monday.

“Broadly, unfortunately, the last arrow attack is not a unique situation. Arrows are a very common form of cruelty.

“Over many years at Wildlife Victoria, we’ve had reports into our emergency response service by concerned members of the public who report animals into us that have been cruelly shot with arrows.”

The wallaby attack comes after a cockatoo was photographed with an arrow through its head. Picture: Facebook

Since mid-December, the wildlife rescue service has had at least 28 animal cruelty cases reported to its service by the public, Ms Palma said.

She urged concerned members of the public to report animal cruelty to Crime Stoppers so the crime is investigated.

Wildlife supporters turned to social media to express their anger at the “heartless individuals” behind the attacks.

The arrow found in the wallaby’s tail. Source: Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

“I really hope these people are caught, this is unacceptable and horrible,” wrote Michael Fedele on the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s Facebook page.

“That is so awful, what the hell is wrong with people?!” added Jazz Collins.

Hunting, taking or destroying protected wildlife draws fines of up to $8261 and/or six months’ jail under the state Wildlife Act 1975.

The arrow found next to the wallaby. Source: Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning

The maximum penalty for animal cruelty is $19,826 and/or 12 months’ imprisonment under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.

Anyone with information about the incidents or other wildlife crime can make a confidential report to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestoppersvic.com.au