Koroit man arrested over alleged ‘senseless’ cruelty against koala

A 67-year-old Koroit man has been arrested and interviewed over allegations of extreme animal cruelty against a koala, which was later euthanised due to the extent of its injuries.

Witnesses allege a man driving a white utility vehicle was seen driving along King Street about 5pm on Wednesday, dragging a koala tied to the vehicle’s tow ball with a length of rope.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) alleged the koala had rope tied around its neck and was dragged for an unknown distance.

The koala was allegedly left at Victoria Park, where a witness called Wildlife Victoria for help.

Distressing photographs seen by this masthead show the koala had suffered extensive traumatic injuries by the time wildlife rescuers were able to reach it. The photographs are too graphic to publish.

Rescuer Debbie O’Grady told this masthead the koala was still alive when she reached it, but had suffered “just horrific” injuries.

“It’s the most horrific rescue that I’ve been to,” she said. “He was just sitting there, hunched over, but he was very much still alive.

A volunteer veterinarian from the Mosswood Wildlife centre sedated and euthanised the animal.

Victoria Police arrested a man in Warrnambool on Thursday in relation to the incident, and Conservation Regulator investigators – who are responsible for investigating wildlife offences – interviewed the 67-year-old.

A spokesperson for the Conservation Regulator said the man had been released, and was expected to be charged on summons.

Investigators believe there were multiple witnesses to the alleged incident, and have urged anyone with information about the matter to come forward.

Glenn Sharp, the manager of regulatory operations for Barwon South West, said the allegations were serious.

“These allegations describe a distressing and senseless act of wildlife cruelty,” Sharp said.

“We’re treating this investigation as a priority and are asking for anyone with information about this incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. We’re particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam or security vision that may assist the investigation.”

All native wildlife in Victoria is protected, and it is illegal to harm them under the Wildlife Act 1975 and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.

An offence of aggravated cruelty can attract penalties of up to $101,000 and two years in prison.

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