Victoria Police have arrested a Berwick man in relation to a spate of kangaroo killings in Emerald last year.
Cardinia Crime Investigation Unit have charged a man with animal cruelty offences after several kangaroos were shot and killed in Emerald on three occasions in 2024.
Officers received reports of multiple kangaroos being located deceased at Cardinia Reservoir Reserve on 4 November.
More dead kangaroos were found at the reserve on 30 November and 14 December.
On each occasion, the animals were believed to have suffered significant trauma.
In total, at least 11 kangaroos were shot in the alleged attacks.
One juvenile managed to be rescued and has since been released back into the wild.
Two joeys were discovered in pouches of deceased kangaroos, one of which was saved.
The Victorian Kangaroo Alliance (VKA) were disturbed by the incidents and offered a reward at the time for any information that led to an arrest.
President Alyssa Wormald commended the efforts of the police in their investigation.
“We are so pleased and relieved to learn that a person has been charged in connection to the horrendous cruelty inflicted on the Cardinia Reservoir Park kangaroos late last year,” she said.
“We commend the authorities for taking this matter seriously and pursuing justice. We also thank the community, as their outrage and support have clearly demonstrated that animal cruelty will not be tolerated in our region.”
The VKA have also called for security to be enhanced at the reserve in response to the incidents.
Police investigations were in consultation with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
On Wednesday, 30 April detectives executed a search warrant at a residence in Berwick on Wednesday, 30 April.
Police seized firearms and ammunition from the address.
A 22-year-old Berwick man was arrested and has subsequently been charged with animal cruelty and firearms offences including;
– Three counts of aggravated cruelty to animals
– Three counts of terrify an animal
– Three counts of wound an animal
– Three counts of abuse an animal
– Three counts of do an act likely to cause pain or suffering to an animal
– Use firearm in a public place
– Carry loaded firearm in a public place
– Fail to store firearm securely
– Fail to store ammunition securely
He has been bailed to face Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on 8 August.
The man’s firearms licence has also been suspended.
