A 65-year-old man in Australia has been fined $80,000 by the Wodonga Magistrates' Court for the inhumane killing of 71 Eastern Grey Kangaroos, including two joeys.
Hired Shooters to Manage Population
According to 20minutes the man, who had a permit for wildlife control, pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated cruelty. The incident has raised serious concerns about wildlife management practices in the region.
The man admitted to hiring shooters to manage the kangaroo population on his property in northern Victoria. However, the methods used were far from humane. According to reports, many of the kangaroos were left with non-lethal gunshot wounds, causing them significant pain and suffering.
A veterinary expert testified that the adult kangaroos experienced "a high degree of pain and suffering" before they died. The two joeys suffered even more tragic fates—one died from starvation, dehydration, and hypothermia after its mother was killed, while the other suffocated in its mother's pouch.
Kangaroos are Social Creatures
The grim discovery was made during a routine inspection in 2021 when wildlife conservation officers found dozens of kangaroo carcasses piled on the man’s property. It was clear that the animals had not been killed instantly, as required by law.
Greg Chant, the regional director of the Hume conservation regulator, emphasized the significance of this case, stating, "This conviction should serve as a reminder to the community that cruelty towards native wildlife is always illegal and unacceptable, and we will pursue offenders."
Australia is home to several species of kangaroos, including the Eastern Grey Kangaroo, the Red Kangaroo, and the Western Grey Kangaroo.
These animals are social creatures, often found in groups called "mobs," which provide protection from predators and enhance their foraging efficiency. While kangaroos are generally peaceful, they can become aggressive if threatened.
Kangaroos face challenges due to habitat loss and conflicts with agricultural activities. Effective wildlife management is essential to ensure their conservation and to maintain a balance between kangaroo populations and human interests.
