Police investigate deaths of kangaroos and joey killed in Lake Macquarie hit-and-run
Tiny joey "Paddy" was rescued from his dead mother's pouch, but died despite best efforts of carers. (Supplied: Julie Hunter)
In short:
Kangaroos have been run down in an alleged "targeted" attack in Lake Macquarie, prompting a NSW Police investigation.
A tiny joey, weighing 260 grams, was the sole survivor of the alleged attack, but died on Wednesday night.
What's next?
NSW Police is calling on the public to assist with their inquiries.
Wildlife carers are fuming after eight eastern grey kangaroos, including a joey, were killed at Lake Macquarie, south of Newcastle, prompting a police investigation into suspected vehicle hit-and-run attacks.
Tyre tracks mounting the curb near where the roos were found have led animal rescuers to believe the killings were a "deliberate" attack.
Residents reported four dead kangaroos near the Wyee Point Reserve on Tuesday morning, with another three found one street away on Wednesday.
Julie Hunter, a macropod species expert with wildlife rescue organisation WIRES, was called to the scene.
A dead kangaroo found opposite the Wyee Reserve. (Supplied: Cathy Mitchell)
"It was the most utterly disgusting, horrific tragedy," she said.
"It really looks like this is very much a deliberate attempt to take their lives.
"We suspect a four-wheel drive complete with bull bars on it, has literally gone looking for them."
Ms Hunter said it appeared a vehicle had left the roadway to hit a kangaroo.
"It looks like they've mounted the curb to really try and inflict damage to these incredible creatures … this is their land too," she said.
Dozens of kangaroos are known to hop along streets and lounge on lawns in the lakeside suburb of Wyee Point. (ABC TV News)
Tears for the mob
Ms Hunter said her rescue team was devastated.
"We met last night actually to have a bit of a debrief and everyone was crying because it's senseless to us," she said.
"It makes our blood boil, and so we're probably entering the angry phase, to tell you the truth."
"We just can't understand how somebody can go out and actively want to cause harm to a living being."
In recent years, dozens of kangaroos have moved in to the Wyee Point Reserve and are commonly seen hopping along the streets.
The animals have attracted attention from tourists, who have flocked to the area to catch a glimpse, but the influx also raised concerns about potential kangaroo attacks.
Joey left behind
A tiny joey, weighing 260 grams, was found inside its dead mother's pouch but died overnight on Wednesday night.
His discovery on St Patrick's Day led to him being named "Paddy".
Loading...Before his death, Ms Hunter said Paddy appeared to have the "the luck of the Irish on his side" with a vet giving him the all clear, despite bumps and bruises on his leg and head.
"We can rescue and save these little pinkies sometimes, but they really still need to be in mum's pouch," she said.
As an infant, Paddy required feeding every two hours, a task which takes Ms Hunter an hour each time.
Lake Macquarie police have confirmed they are investigating the incident.
Little Paddy was taken in by wildlife carers after being rescued. (Supplied: Cathy Mitchell)
The maximum penalty for aggravated animal cruelty in NSW is two years imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $22,000 for individuals, or $110,000 for corporations.
Penalties are imposed when it can be proven such an act was deliberately or recklessly caused.
Police said anyone with information, CCTV or dash-cam footage is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.