A man named Michael Holmes is contesting animal cruelty charges related to the alleged dragging of a kangaroo by its neck from a vehicle. The incident reportedly occurred in the Snowy Mountains of NSW, approximately 35 kilometres northwest of Canberra, where an injured adult female kangaroo was found on April 13.
Holmes, aged 61, faces allegations of recklessly beating the animal, causing it prolonged suffering, and aggravated animal cruelty. At a recent session of the Queanbeyan Local Court, he maintained a low profile while his lawyer entered not guilty pleas on his behalf.
The accusations state that Holmes tethered the kangaroo to his car and pulled it 400 metres from his property to the roadside. A passerby stumbled upon the distressed animal shortly afterwards, found alive but with a rope around its neck, and positioned down an embankment. The kangaroo was discovered with severe injuries, including lacerations to its ribcage and hip.
Local animal rescue services responded promptly, transporting the injured animal to Bungendore, yet it unfortunately succumbed to its injuries before authorities arrived. The prosecution has indicated plans to present photographic evidence of the kangaroo in court.
Magistrate Roger Clisdell suggested that the proceedings may be brief, with Holmes’ next court appearance scheduled for July 14. Currently, he is not under any bail restrictions.