A kangaroo is badly injured after being shot with an arrow in a "sick and cruel" attack at a Melbourne park.
The arrow, believed to be shot by a hunter, pierced through the kangaroo's leg. The tip of the arrow also caused significant damage to his neck, leaving behind a gaping hole.
The kangaroo, named Frank, resides at Lysterfield Park in greater Melbourne - a supposedly protected space for wildlife.
Five Freedoms Animal Rescue have condemned the "despicable act", saying there is "no justification" for the cruelty. The group says the culprit shot the animal just "for fun".
"As the fires burn, and firefighters risk their lives daily to save life and property, someone, a bow hunter, again shows that all people are not good and confirms why we need greater control over the purchase and use of archery equipment," the group said in a furious Facebook post.
"They are weapons, and people can't be trusted. How many times have we seen such a despicable act involving the illegal shooting of a kangaroo with arrows? Even the worst fires in Victoria's history didn't distract this cruel person from attacking an animal for fun.
"It is always upsetting to witness such disgusting and unnecessary acts of cruelty, but it is even worse at this time as we are desperately preparing for an influx of fire victims."
People have expressed their disgust at the attack on social media, calling the shooter "despicable" while praising animal rescue organisations for their work with wildlife.
The callous attack on Frank follows the deaths of more than 1 billion animals in Australia's devastating bushfires. It's believed a number of native species may have been wiped out by the flames.
Parks Victoria says Lysterfield Park is "a great place to see kangaroos and wallabies in the wild", also acknowledging its situation within "an Aboriginal cultural landscape".
Frank is currently recovering from his wounds after undergoing surgery at the Woofpurnay Veterinary Hospital in Narre Warren North, Victoria.
Newshub have contacted Woofpurnay for comment.
