https://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/koala-towed-behind-ute-in-alleged-act-of-animal-cruelty-20260326-p5zixr.html?ref=rss
this is such ghastly barbarity! it is so fucken sickening then infuriating 😡️
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Koala towed behind ute in alleged act of animal cruelty
A koala has been put down in a small Victorian town after it was allegedly dragged behind a vehicle in an act of animal cruelty on Wednesday afternoon.
Eyewitnesses saw an older man wearing glasses driving a white Toyota ute with a metal toolbox fitted to the back, which had a koala tied with rope dangling from the tow bar, South West Local News reported.
It reported the koala was dragged along King Street in Koroit, before the man drove to Victoria Park and left the vehicle there as locals were finishing footy training.
The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) said the koala had been tied by the neck with the rope, and was dragged for an unknown distance.
Distressing photographs seen by this masthead show the koala was extensively injured by the time wildlife rescuers were able to reach it. The photographs are too graphic to publish.
IFAW said the koala’s injuries were so “extensive and horrific” that a volunteer veterinarian at the Mosswood Wildlife centre had to euthanise the animal.
The organisation’s Oceania head of programs, Josey Sharrad, said the incident was horrific and senseless, and the person responsible should have the book thrown at them.
“It is beyond belief that someone would do this to any animal, let alone an iconic koala,” Sharrad said.
“Koalas should be treasured, not tortured. 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.”
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#animalcruelty