A man from Melbourne has been charged with multiple offences related to animal cruelty and firearms after allegedly shooting several kangaroos in the Emerald area. Reports indicate that at least 11 kangaroos were shot on three separate occasions late last year, inflicting significant trauma on the animals.
During the rampage, one juvenile kangaroo managed to escape from the Cardinia Reservoir Reserve and return to its natural habitat, while a joey found in its deceased mother’s pouch was saved. Unfortunately, another joey did not survive the incident. The reservoir is recognised for its diverse wildlife, with Parks Victoria noting specific trails frequented by eastern grey kangaroo mobs.
Authorities first received reports of dead kangaroos on 4 November, followed by further notifications on 30 November and 14 December. In response, detectives, alongside the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, conducted a raid on the 22-year-old suspect’s home in Berwick, about 15 kilometres south-west of Emerald. During the operation, they confiscated firearms and ammunition.
The man faces three counts each of animal terrorisation, wounding, and abuse, along with three charges of aggravated animal cruelty and several firearm-related offences. He has since been released on bail and is scheduled to appear in Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 8 August, with his gun licence suspended pending the outcome of the case.