Koroit man arrested over allegedly dragging koala behind moving vehicle
A 67-year-old Koroit man was arrested and interviewed over allegations of extreme animal cruelty towards a koala that was later euthanised due to the extent of its injuries.
Eyewitnesses claimed that a man driving a white commercial vehicle was seen dragging a koala with a rope tied to the vehicle’s tow ball along King Street around 5pm on Wednesday.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) claimed that a rope was tied around the koala’s neck and dragged for an unknown distance.
The koala was allegedly left at Victoria Park, where a witness called Wildlife Victoria for help.
Harrowing photos seen on this masthead show the koala suffered serious traumatic injuries before wildlife rescuers reached him. The photos are too graphic to publish.
Rescue worker Debbie O’Grady said the koala was still alive but suffering “horrific” injuries when she reached this masthead.
“This was the scariest rescue operation I have ever participated in,” he said. “He was sitting there, hunched over, but still alive.
A volunteer veterinarian from Mosswood Wildlife Center sedated and euthanized the animal.
Victoria Police arrested a man in Warrnambool on Thursday in connection with the incident, and the 67-year-old was interviewed by Conservation Regulator investigators, who are responsible for investigating wildlife crime.
A spokesman for the Safeguarding Regulation Agency said the man had been released and was expected to be charged on summons.
Investigators believe there are multiple witnesses to the alleged incident and have urged anyone with information to come forward.
Barwon South West regulatory operations manager Glenn Sharp said the allegations were serious.
“These allegations describe a harrowing and senseless act of wildlife cruelty,” Sharp said.
“We are treating this investigation as a priority and are appealing for anyone with information about this incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. We are particularly appealing for information from anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam or security footage that could assist the investigation.”
All native wildlife in Victoria is protected and harming it is illegal under the Wildlife Act 1975 and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.
The aggravated cruelty charge carries a fine of up to $101,000 and two years in prison.
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