Disgusting and disturbing: Koala found dead and mutilated in Warrnambool, Victoria’s south-west
A koala has been found dead and mutilated in Australia in the latest spate of animal mutilations that police on Friday (Nov 10) called “troublesome and disgusting”.
The marsupial was found on a road in Warrnambool, about 250km (150 miles) west of Melbourne, on Monday.
The koala was found with both its ears cut off by the side of Hopkins Point Road in Warrnambool about 8.30am on Monday.
“Investigators have been told there has been a spate of similar mutilations involving kangaroos and wallabies, but understand this to be the first involving a koala,” a Victoria Police spokeswoman said.
Local investigators have labelled the incident as “troubling and disgusting”.
“We certainly want to get to the bottom of it. There is no reason for anybody to treat an animal in this way, whether it be alive or dead,” Sergeant Pat Day told The Courier.
“Police members are investigating what can only be described as a very troublesome and disgusting incident involving the mutilation of a koala,” said Warrnambool Sergeant Pat Day.
“We certainly want to get to the bottom of it. There is no reason for anybody to treat an animal in this way, whether it be alive or dead.”
The incident follows a spate of kangaroo and wallaby mutilations in the area, but police said it is the first incident involving a koala.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000 or lodge a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
