Charges are yet to be laid in relation to the death of a koala in Koroit, with police confirming they are not the lead agency in the investigation.
In a statement to South West Local News, Victoria Police said the matter was under investigation by the Victorian conservation regulator.
Police said the conservation regulator interviewed the man and has primacy of the investigation.
A spokesperson from the conservation regulator said its investigation was progressing, but no charges have been laid at this time.
A person of interest was interviewed regarding the incident at the time.An online petition calling for the Victorian Animal Care and Protection bill to be tabled in Parliament has now exceeded 1,800 signatures.
According to Mosswood Wildlife, Victoria‘s animal cruelty laws are some of the weakest in the country.
If the law is updated in the Parliament, it would recognise all animals as sentient beings, meaning they are capable of feelings such as pain and pleasure, outlining minimum care requirements – including food, water, shelter, hygiene and exercise.
It will also introduce a new high-level offence for intentionally causing unreasonable harm, pain, or distress to an animal.
The incident involved a vehicle allegedly being used to drag a koala along a roadway in Koroit on March 25.
The koala died from its injuries.
To sign the petition you can click the link below.
