Tasmania Police deeply concerned after finding wallaby hanging from tree

UPDATED: An animal cruelty offence towards a wallaby has been described by the RSPCA as a “heinous and deliberate act designed to create community distress”. DETAILS >>

POLICE have been left deeply concerned after finding a wallaby hung from a tree in Wynyard.

The dead animal was found on Tuesday morning at a recreational reserve near Saunders Street.

LATEST NEWS:

• Hail forecast as 150km/hr icy winds blast Tasmania
• Torched Sandy Bay home likely to be demolished

Sergeant Craig Harvey from Wynyard said the act of animal cruelty was concerning.

“It’s also concerning that the wallaby was left in a public place, in plain sight of innocent members of our community,” he said.

“Police are asking anyone who knows anything about this incident to come forward.”

RSPCA chief executive Jan Davis expressed her dismay and disgust.

“Leaving the dead animal hanging from the tree, in plain sight, is a heinous and deliberate act designed to create community distress,” she said.

“All Tasmanians will be appalled that animals continue to suffer at the hands of such irresponsible people. We hope that those responsible for such an abhorrent act are found and punished accordingly.”

Under the Animal Welfare Act, penalties for aggravated animal cruelty are up to five years imprisonment or a fine of up to $33,600.

Anyone with information about the incident can contact Wynyard Police on 6477 7267 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or at crimestopperstas.com.au