Victoria’s Conservation Regulator is appealing for information as it investigates the death of more than 65 eastern grey kangaroos that were found on a country road in the state’s centre last month.
The kangaroos were found on Saturday, June 22 with fatal gunshot wounds, and other injuries suggesting they had been rammed by a vehicle.
A wildlife shelter operator made the discovery in private paddocks along Tait-Hamilton Road at Gobarup, about 50km east of Bendigo.
The dead kangaroos were found spread across roughly 190 hectares of land.
When the area was investigated, used shotgun cartridges were also found in the area.
Officers from the Conservation Regulator have spoken with a local landowner, who is not considered a person of interest.
Three kangaroos were found alive at the scene but were euthanised due to their injuries, while two joeys have been put in the care of a wildlife shelter.
According to Victorian Crimestoppers, it is suspected that the kangaroos were killed between 6pm on Friday, June 21, and 4pm on Saturday, June 22.
In Victoria, all wildlife including kangaroos are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and it’s illegal to hunt or destroy wildlife without authorisation.
The maximum penalty for each offence can be a fine of $9870 or six months in prison.
Anyone with information about the kangaroos’ death has been asked to contact authorities.
