[Update – RSPCA ACT has followed on below with the results of what occurred]
[First Filed August 18, 2009 @ 23:38]
RSPCA ACT has put out a statement asking for any witnesses to a number of possum bashings in the Ainslie area on Tuesday afternoon.
- “Late Tuesday afternoon a number of possums were brought to RSPCA by
government rangers. All were female brush tail possums and all were
discovered in a park near Ainslie Primary School, in Donaldson and
Doonkuna St Ainslie. Possums were examined by RSPCA veterinary staff.
“The possums were all found within 10 metres of each other. Vet
examination has shown that they have been savagely beaten to death,
presumably last night. All three were Joey carrying females. It
appears that the young have been forcibly removed from their pouches
and teats. Our staff searched the park and found one Joey barely alive
which has since died. Two joeys are currently unaccounted for.
“This is a despicable and sickening act of deliberate cruelty and we
are pleading for someone to come forward who may have seen or heard
something on Monday evening.”
Anyone with information can call RSPCA on 1300 4 777 22 or the local police.
[Updated – August 19, 2009 @17:38]
Further details on findings regarding possum deaths in Ainslie first
reported yesterday…
ACT government vets at TAMS underwent an extensive post mortem today.
Results have shown “extended ill treatment prior to the death” of the
animals. The animal’s injuries included “drag injuries”, “one has been
dragged by the tail [or back legs] across hard ground” and “one has
been tied by a front leg/arm and dragged or swung around”.
All the possums had “multiple and severe upper body, spinal and facial
fractures as well as internal injuries.”
“Needless to say the possums have suffered greatly at the hands of
their attackers prior to their deaths.”
The one small Joey recovered had “sustained heavy fractures to the
spine, jaw and legs, front and rear”. Evidence shows a “shockingly
brutal and sustained attack on the animals, possibly by more than one
person.”
The matter is currently under joint investigation by RSPCA and TAMS
with the full support of the AFP.
Two young joeys are still unaccounted for and if still alive would be
in grave need of specialist attention by now.
It is illegal to kill a wild animal under the Nature Conservation Act (ACT).
Aggravated animal cruelty in the ACT carries with a maximum fine of
$20,000 and or two years in jail.
Anyone with any information can contact Crimestoppers, RSPCA, TAMS or the AFP.
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