In distressing news, Victoria Police are investigating a grisly case of animal cruelty after a mutilated dead koala was found by a State Emergency Services worker in Warrnambool.
The koala was discovered on Hopkins Point Road and was missing both of its ears, meaning someone is responsible for hacking them off.
While this might sound like a horrific isolated incident, police have revealed there has been a spate of similar attacks on Australian animals.
“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 spokesperson said.
It comes just months after Victorian authorities found a dead kangaroo on a roadside in Melbourne’s outer north-east.
Disturbingly, the animal, which had been shot three times, was propped up on a chair and draped in a shawl.
It was also tied to the chair and made to hold a bottle of ouzo.
Post continues after video: Cute koala reunited with cameraman
Police will now try to get to the bottom of this particular case of horrific animal cruelty.
The spokesperson added “it is believed the mutilation was recent”, while revealing authorities wish to determine “whether the koala was deceased at the time [when its ears were cut off]”.
Police are calling on members of the public to come forward with any information they may have.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1300 333 000.
