A number of adult and juvenile kangaroos have been run over in what police are considering a deliberate act of cruelty in Tura Beach, near Merimbula on the NSW South Coast. WIRES Far South East member Janine Green was alerted to the incident when police knocked on her door at 1:30am on Sunday night, holding a surviving joey.

As of Monday afternoon, Ms Green has three young joeys in care. Police and the National Parks and Wildlife Service are now investigating the case, with police appealing for witnesses with information about the event to come forward. 

According to the Police statement, up to 20 kangaroos may have been run over by a vehicle between 10.30pm and 11.30pm on Saturday (28 September 2019). If anyone has any information that could assist the investigation please contact Bega Detectives on (02) 6492 9929 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

“WIRES is horrified to hear about the incident that took place in Tura Beach early on Sunday morning,” said a spokesperson for WIRES on Monday.

“Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation can be extremely challenging for all involved, especially when animals have been injured in an apparent act of cruelty.”

“WIRES would like to thank local police and all concerned members of the community.”

WIRES also urges the public to remember that if they find an injured, orphaned or displaced native animal to call WIRES on 1300 094 737. 

To report acts of animal cruelty, contact the RSPCA NSW on 1300 CRUELTY. 

For more information or to donate please visit wires.org.au. To contact WIRES media team email media@wires.org.au or call 8977 3327.

If news of this incident has distressed you, WIRES encourages you to access free support from either Lifeline (24/7)13 11 14 lifeline.org.au or Beyond Blue (24/7)1300 224 636 beyondblue.org.au.

Update: this release was updated 1st October with Police contact details.