A DEAD kangaroo was found cable-tied to a chair on the banks of the Murray River near Cobram over the Australia Day long weekend.

A mother and her young children stumbled across the "disgusting" scene on the banks of Dead River Beach on Monday.

They immediately notified wildlife carers.

The small adult female kangaroo was cable-tied to a deck chair, bound around its neck and hind legs, and had a soft drink can tied to her right arm.

Licensed wildlife carers Kylee Donkers and James Leonard, based at nearby Koonoomoo, described the horrific act as a "vulgar prank in poor taste".

"I hope they get the message that such sick behaviour is not acceptable," Ms Donkers said.

The cause of the kangaroo's death is unknown, but state authorities say there were no signs of a struggle or gunshot.

The incident has prompted the Department of Primary Industries to launch an investigation into the incident and try to track down the people responsible.

“It is unclear how the kangaroo died... it is possible it was hit by a car and moved to where it was found," department program manager Geoff McClure said.

“The carcass was found down a steep 10-foot embankment just 50 metres from the nearest campsite,” he said.

“There were hundreds of people going up and down the river and we are hoping someone can shed some light on when it was first sighted and any suspicious behaviour prior to this."

Mr McClure said kangaroos were an iconic Australian native animals protected under law.

The Age