{"id":648519,"date":"2026-05-04T07:03:10","date_gmt":"2026-05-04T07:03:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/648519\/"},"modified":"2026-05-04T07:03:10","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T07:03:10","slug":"photo-exposes-huge-oversight-as-new-fencing-installed-on-aussie-property","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/648519\/","title":{"rendered":"Photo exposes huge oversight as new fencing installed on Aussie property"},"content":{"rendered":"

A major oversight<\/a> has been identified as kilometres of new fencing are installed, leading to the maiming of Australia\u2019s wild animals.<\/p>\n

In the months after the Longwood bushfire burned over 136,000 hectares<\/a> in northeast Victoria<\/a> in January, infrastructure is being replaced on farms.<\/p>\n

Penning in sheep is understandably one of the most pressing needs, but new replacement fences are creating an unintended problem.<\/a><\/p>\n

Before the fires, wild creatures like kangaroos had learned to navigate decades-old infrastructure, allowing them to move between feeding grounds, seek shelter, or find a mate.<\/p>\n

They\u2019d hopped over drooping wires and wriggled through small holes, something the new strands don\u2019t have.<\/p>\n

A sad photograph taken by a trained wildlife rescuer last week highlights the problem.<\/p>\n

It shows a large, male kangaroo<\/a> with a dislocated hip lying on the ground, after he became entangled in a fence.<\/p>\n

Kate Turner, from Murrindindi Ranges Wildlife Shelter, explained to Yahoo News that in many cases \u201cthey don\u2019t even realise their paths have been blocked\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey try to jump over them, they get their feed hooked, and it can lead to dislocations, pelvic fractures and serious wounds,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

When the fence is clearly visible, kangaroos can judge their height. But new wire strands are difficult to see. Source: Getty<\/p>\n

(Getty)Kangaroo given second chance after fence rescue<\/p>\n

Once a kangaroo\u2019s leg is damaged, it can no longer hop, and it often faces a long, slow death.<\/p>\n

In many parts of Australia, injured adult kangaroos are simply euthanised because most vets aren\u2019t capable of treating such large wild animals, and recovery can be slow.<\/p>\n

In the case of the animal Kate rescued, she expects to have him in care for at least six to eight weeks.<\/p>\n

But she is determined to give him a second chance.<\/p>\n

Do you have an ingenious way to help wildlife? Contact newsroomau@yahoonews.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

Over the years, kangaroos learn where there are holes in ageing fences. Source: Getty<\/p>\n

(Getty)<\/p>\n

After carrying the kangaroo to her vehicle, she completed a seven-hour round-trip to get him treatment at a vet.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs long as his hip stays in, he gets to recover, but if it comes out again, unfortunately, that\u2019s it,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

How a simple fence change could save lives and property<\/p>\n

Kate is worried more kangaroos and wallabies will suffer the same fate in the coming months.<\/p>\n

She\u2019s spent months treating animals burned in the bushfire and still has eight adults and 15 joeys in care.<\/p>\n

But there are simple measures landholders can take if they want to reduce both the likelihood of kangaroos getting caught and their fences being damaged.<\/p>\n

Kate suggests staying away from barbed wire,<\/a> as it\u2019s more likely to entangle animals, and using strand wire instead.<\/p>\n

Solar-powered electric fencing has become more accessible, and its wires have more flexibility and are less likely to cause harm.<\/p>\n

Using a white-coloured sight wire as the top strand is also important because kangaroos are able to see it, improving their chances of clearing it.<\/p>\n

As new fences are installed, she\u2019s calling on farmers to check their fences daily for entangled wildlife, and to call a rescue volunteer for help.<\/p>\n

\u201cInstead of just releasing the roo, make a phone call,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople release them, and then they can try and run off with a horrific injury.<\/p>\n

\u201cOften when I do get notified, it\u2019s months later, and it\u2019s past the point where I can do anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

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