A Koala that was allegedly dragged through the centre of the township of Koroit attached to a tow ball has been euthanised.
It’s alleged the animal was dragged along King Street by a rope, before the owner of the ute, an older Toyota Hilux, took it to Victoria Park and left it there.
Volunteers from Mosswood Wildlife scrambled to pick up the badly injured animal, where the organisation’s volunteer Vet then assessed it at its wildlife rescue centre.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) has expressed its anger about the incident.
“This is a horrific and senseless act of cruelty. It is beyond belief that someone would do this to any animal, let alone an iconic koala.”IFAW Oceania Head of Programs Josey Sharrad said.
“It is a national disgrace, and the person who did this should have the book thrown at them. Koalas should be treasured, not tortured.”
According to eyewitnesses, the man responsible was an older man with glasses who was driving a white Toyota Ute with a metal trapezoidal toolbox fitted to the back.
It’s also believed there were people finishing up footy training and people at a nearby dog park, so it’s hoped more witnesses will come forward with information.
It’s understood that this Koala also sustained trauma to the head prior to being dragged along the road by a rope attached to the ute.
It was determined that the Koala’s injuries were too serious, and it was impossible to keep it alive.
It’s understood Mosswood’s Vet has kept extensive notes of the animal’s injuries, which consisted of broken bones and abrasions consistent with the incident in Koroit.
The Koala’s body has been kept for evidence, in the hope that an extensive investigation will be undertaken by Victoria Police.
“The tireless volunteers at Mosswood Wildlife already see such devastation on a daily basis, but to see this deliberate act of cruelty and the extent of the horrendous injuries is something that will stay with them for a long time.” Josey said, “IFAW is urging anyone who was in the area and witnessed anything to please go to the police as soon as possible.”
It comes as a man was jailed for eight months, after being found guilty of aggravated animal cruelty in New South Wales last month.
He pleaded guilty to tying a rope around a Kangaroo’s head and dragging it along a road, causing severe deformities.
“IFAW is urging anyone who was in the area and witnessed anything to please go to the police as soon as possible,” Josey said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or Koroit Police.
