A disturbing social media post has reignited concern about kangaroo shootings across the Cardinia region, as wildlife advocates call for stronger protections and accountability for attacks on native animals.
On Wednesday 9 July, an Upper Beaconsfield resident alleged that two kangaroos were shot in front of her yard and nature strip.
The post quickly drew the attention of wildlife rescuer Sarah Cooke from Berwick and the volunteer-run Victorian Kangaroo Alliance (VKA).
The claim has shocked local residents and prompted renewed calls for improved enforcement, following a series of similar attacks earlier this year.
In May, Victoria Police’s Cardinia Crime Investigation Unit charged a man with animal cruelty after several kangaroos were found shot and killed across three separate incidents in Emerald.
Cooke confirmed the kangaroo in Upper Beaconsfield was definitely shot, however she viewed the incident as distinct from previous cases.
“I would say it is a different issue to the previous ones we have had in the past. Different bullets used and different spots. But also odd, it’s only 2, as there are other roos around the area every night,” she said.
“I told her (the resident) to report to the police. It is definitely a shooting. I have also messaged an officer from Emerald station to inform him of the incident.”
The Gazette also contacted Emerald Police Station, where an officer said the alleged kangaroo shooting had not been formally reported, as the Upper Beaconsfield resident had not come forward. However, the officer confirmed they were alerted by a local wildlife rescuer and acknowledged being made aware of community concerns.
The VKA’s president, Alyssa Wormald said the growing attacks in peri-urban areas reflects a deeper cultural and political problem.
“Unfortunately, our society’s attitude towards kangaroos is often uncaring, or downright hostile,” she said.
“This is a reflection of the longstanding narrative, promoted by the government, that kangaroos are a nuisance to be “managed” – a euphemism for slaughter. Though this messaging originated in the rural sector, it carries over into peri-urban environments.
“So inevitably there will be citizens who feel justified in treating kangaroos cruelly when saturated with this narrative, and influenced by leaders who champion the terrorising, killing, maiming and orphaning of kangaroos for profit and convenience.”
Beyond cultural attitudes, the VKA also raised serious concerns about the legal framework and lack of enforcement protecting kangaroos in Victoria.
“Kangaroos are effectively unprotected in this state. Victorian Labor has made it as easy as possible to kill these gentle family-oriented species with as little paperwork and oversight as possible,” Wormald said.
“Whether legal or illegal killing, it is likely to occur at night in remote areas where cruel acts will go unseen.
“The government has the resources and ingenuity to promote respect and coexistence with kangaroos, they just lack the political will whilst killing these unique animals continues to be easy and profitable, and satisfactory to vested interests.”
The VKA is calling for stronger deterrents and broader reforms to address what it sees as systemic cruelty.
“We are fighting for an end to legalised cruelty, and when prosecutions do occur for illegal cruelty, we believe the penalties must be significant to act as a deterrent,” Wormald said.
“We would like to see the establishment of a ‘Wildlife Coexistence Taskforce’ that tackles human-wildlife conflict holistically. This could include educating children about the cultural and environmental importance of kangaroos, and how to live respectfully among them. It could extend to wildlife-friendly development, as well as mitigating wildlife roadstrike, and agricultural conflicts.”
Wildlife Victoria also “strongly opposes any activity that causes pain and suffering to native animals and continues to advocate for an end to both commercial and non-commercial kangaroo killing in Victoria”.
“As habitat destruction accelerates, we are sadly seeing a rise in reports of wildlife being viewed as a nuisance when, in reality, these animals are simply trying to survive,” spokesperson said.
“A more compassionate and innovative approach to housing development is urgently needed to ensure a future where humans and wildlife can coexist and thrive.”
In light of the recent and ongoing kangaroo shootings, the Gazette contacted Victoria Police to establish whether any emerging trends or increases have been identified.
Police recommended contacting DEECA, which referred the inquiry to the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, who declined to comment on any trends or rises.
The Conservation Regulator did respond specifically regarding the Upper Beaconsfield kangaroo shooting, saying they have “not received a report on the incident” and urged anyone with information about animal cruelty to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
According to this Department, all wildlife in Victoria is protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, which makes it illegal to hunt, take, destroy, injure, or interfere with wildlife without authorisation.
For now, concern continues to grow in Cardinia as residents grapple with yet another violent act against some of Australia’s most iconic native animals.
