WARNING — DISTRESSING IMAGES: Two hammers, a length of heavy-duty rope fastened into a loop, and a brick are at the centre of an investigation into a horrifying discovery under electricity pylons.
The items are believed to have been “strategically placed” as part of an elaborate plan to snare and possibly torture wild animals known to live in an industrial wasteland 20km northeast of Melbourne.
Rescue volunteer Leonie Sorrentino was called to the scene after a young kangaroo was discovered on Tuesday hanging by its feet.
“The rope was looped around a brick,” she told Yahoo News.
“When the roo has hopped through, its legs have been caught, and when it’s tried to thrash out of it, the rope has tightened where the brick is.”
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You can see footage of the disturbing contraption below.
The animal was found on unused land at the edge of energy provider AusNet’s South Morang Terminal Station.
“AusNet is currently investigating the incident that occurred in our transmission line easement, including reviewing any security footage that may lead to identifying the perpetrator,” a company spokesperson told Yahoo News.
“We will also review the security of the site.”
The rope had been thrown around part of a pylon five metres above, and so someone likely climbed up to tie it.
Old planks of wood from pallets had been placed around the snare, with nails facing upwards, creating an added danger for wildlife.
Wood with sharp protruding nails had been placed around the snare, which had been fashioned using a brick.
Many in the surrounding community have been troubled by the find, and the matter has been reported to Victoria Police.
On social media, some compared those responsible to “serial killers” while others urged them to seek psychiatric help.
“I don’t know how people can be so evil to these poor little things,” one person wrote on social media.
“Cruelty lives amongst us,” another added.
Two hammers were found near the trap.
Wildlife in the area is already under threat, as nearby housing developments continue to displace wild animals from their historical ranges.
The area where the snare was found is riddled with blackberries and clumps of phalaris grass — a plant that poisons kangaroos, and makes them appear drunk.
“It was a horrible area,” Sorrentino said.
Kangaroo likely suffered for hours before rescue
It appeared the kangaroo had been painfully entangled for hours, causing considerable damage to its legs.
“He did try to move his hands to get away from us,” Sorrentino said.
“He was completely trapped.”
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The animal was collected by a volunteer from Murrundindi Wildlife Shelter, where it’s receiving care.
“He’s not standing yet, but his feet are warm, which is a good sign,” Sorrentino said.
The young kangaroo is recovering after being trapped in a cruel snare.
On Wednesday morning, the trap had been neutralised, but the materials remained on site.
Victoria Police has been contacted for comment.
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