It has prompted a reminder to the community that unlawfully killing or injuring a protected animal, is an offence under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972.

Canunda National Park is 13km south-west of Millicent in the south-east corner of South Australia.

NRSE District Manager Lower South East, Ross Anderson, said a park visitor reported the distressing find.

“National Parks SA staff then located the animal and assessed the injury,” said Mr Anderson.

“The damage inflicted by the arrow was too great to have been able to heal properly, and the kangaroo would have been in a great amount of pain.”

“Unfortunately we had to euthanise the kangaroo.

“Hunting in National Parks is illegal, for the safety of our native animals and for the safety of other park visitors. This particular incident constitutes animal cruelty and is a significant breach of the Animal Welfare Act 1985.

“These areas are protected as a haven for wildlife so that animals can live with minimal human interference.”

In this instance the maximum penalty under the Animal Welfare Act is $50,000 or 4 years imprisonment, and $2500 and 6 months imprisonment under the National Parks & Wildlife Act.

If you have information about this incident, witness any illegal hunting in parks, or come across an injured animal contact the Natural Resources Centre on 8735 1177.

Naracoorte Herald