HUNTER wildlife carers have called for more stringent control over access to the grounds of the Morisset psychiatric hospital after a kangaroo was shot with a hunting arrow.
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The attack on Sunday, described as “cowardly” by volunteers from Hunter Wildlife Rescue, is the second time in two years that the hospital’s famous kangaroo population has come under attack.
Morisset Psychiatric Hospital located the young male kangaroo in bushland on the grounds on Sunday afternoon with an arrow lodged in its abdomen.
Lake Macquarie police were forced to euthanise the animal, and are investigating the matter.
But Audrey Koosmen from Hunter Wildlife Rescue said she had “great concerns” about the management of the hospital amid growing interest from tourists attracted to the site.
“There simply does not seem to be any control over who is able to access the grounds of the hospital,” she said.
“I really do think it is becoming a safety and welfare issue, some of the residents at that facility are quite attached to the kangaroos and it must be so distressing for them when something like this happens.”
It follows a 2015 incident that brought veteran wildlife rescuer Ann Morgan to tears when a female kangaroo carrying a joey was shot through the chest in the same area.
NSW Environment Minister Mark Speakman said at the time it was an “atrocious act”.
Hunter Wildlife Rescue: 0418 628 483
RSPCA: 1300 278 358
Crimestoppers: 1800 333 000