A government investigation is underway after a string of animal mutilation incidents in a small town outside Hobart.
Warning, this story contains graphic themes.
A decapitated kangaroo was found by locals on the banks of the Coal River at Richmond on Saturday, with pictures showing the animal’s testicles draped over its head.
The kangaroo has what appears to be knife marks, with its liver cut and its leg and tail missing.
A number of fish were also reportedly seen been ‘mutilated’ and left on the Richmond riverbank.
As originally uncovered by 7HOFM, Richmond locals are now venting frustration at what seems to be a rise anti-social behaviour in the small heritage village, possibly influenced by the recent lack of a full time police officer in town.
It follows separate reports of at least two break-ins on Saturday night and anti-social behaviour near the Richmond Football Ground, along with a burnt out car on nearby Malcolm’s Hut Road.
Tasmania Police say Richmond Police Station’s substantive officer is on a period of leave, however the station “is still operational”.
“Richmond is actively policed through officers from the broader district and regular patrols of the area are undertaken,” a Police spokesperson said.
“[We] are investigating a house burglary and motor vehicle stealing on Franklin Street, and a motor vehicle stealing from Bathurst Street overnight [on[ 1-2 June.”
“Both vehicles have since been recovered, but the matter remains under active investigation.”
Meanwhile both Tasmania’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE) and the RSPCA say they are aware of the alleged animal cruelty incidents, with NRE now undertaking investigations.
“This kind of alleged cruelty has no place in our society and RSPCA Tasmania denounces any such acts of violence towards animals,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.
