THE sight of a dead joey was the final straw for Clifton Grove resident John Pullen.
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In the past 12 months Mr Pullen has seen five dead kangaroos on the roadside in a 150-metre stretch of Brumbys Run.
In each case he has found tyre tracks leading off the bitumen to the carcass, leaving him in no doubt the animals are being deliberately maimed.
Mr Pullen said he wanted to speak out “because this has been going on for too long”.
“It’s cruelty to animals and it can’t be tolerated. I just want to see a stop to it,” he said.
“It’s not random, it seems quite targeted and that’s worrying.”
Mr Pullen said he suspected the animals were hit by large vehicles
“I think it’s a four-wheel-drive or a ute otherwise the car would sustain too much damage,” he said.
“There’s never been any broken glass or bits and pieces of cars around.
“It makes me wonder whether people are setting their car up with a great big bullbar and trying to line up these defenseless kangaroos in their sights.”
Canobolas Local Area Command Inspector Adam Beard said a report has been filed and anyone with information was asked to contact police.
“At this stage, we do not have any suspects or any particular vehicles we’re looking for,” Inspector Beard said.
“We find these allegations very concerning. If wildlife are being deliberating run over, we’d seek to put the perpetrators before the courts.”
Mr Pullen said the behaviour was not only a danger to the animals but to those who resided nearby.
“What happens if the person is focused on the animal and there’s someone walking their dog?” he asked.
“How are they going to be able to avoid sliding off on wet grass and potentially hitting someone else?”
Mr Pullen said kangaroos and Clifton Grove residents lived in harmony – the animals often graze in backyards – which makes their deaths harder to take.
“They’ve become comfortable with the locals,” he said.
RSPCA Orange manager Marissa Clifford advised people to take precautions with animals on the side of the road.
“It’s important not to put yourself at any risk” Ms Clifford said.
If you find an injured animal call WIRES immediately on 1300 094 737 for help and advice. If you suspect animal cruelty, call the RSPCA on 02 9770 7555 or the police.
