An estimated 84 kangaroos have been found dead from both gunshot wounds and traumatic injuries in two different locations in regional Victoria.<\/p>\n
The state\u2019s Conservation Regulator is actively investigating these gruesome incidents to bring the perpetrators to justice.<\/p>\n
The first discovery was made in Gobarup, central Victoria, where at least 65 juvenile and adult eastern grey kangaroos were found dead across 190 hectares of land.<\/p>\n
The authorities were alerted to this mass death by a local wildlife shelter on June 22. The carer who discovered the bodies had to euthanize three live kangaroos due to their severe injuries.<\/p>\n
Two joeys were rescued and are now being cared for by the shelter. Officers have spoken with a landowner in the area who is not considered a suspect.<\/p>\n
The second site, located about 270 km west of Gobarup near Horsham, revealed another 19 dead kangaroos.<\/p>\n
The bodies were discovered on June 23, following a report from a member of the public to a wildlife carer.<\/p>\n
The killings at both sites are believed to have occurred between 5 pm on June 21 and noon on June 23.<\/p>\n
Hunting, destroying, or injuring wildlife in Victoria is illegal, with penalties reaching over $9,000 and six months in prison for each offense.<\/p>\n
Additional animal cruelty charges can result in fines exceeding $98,000 or up to two years in prison.<\/p>\n