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ORGANISERS of a fund set up to find those responsible for the mutilation of a kangaroo in a Bendigo car park are calling for final tip-offs to track down the culprit.
The trust fund account has attracted more than $4000 in donations after being set up as a reward for information leading to charges.
BLS Financial Services managing director Adam Mackenzie set up the account and said he wanted anyone with information about
He said at the end of the month the funds would be given to whoever gave the initial tip-off or, if no charges have been laid, more discussions would be held over whether to donate the money to the Wildlife Rescue Emergency Service.
“The idea was to flush out the person, but we realised people also have a right to know who gave the tip off, who claimed the money and who didn’t claim the money,” he said.
The call comes as the Department of Sustainability and Environment continues its investigation into the incident.
DSE compliance acting program manager Shaun Burke said they were looking into alleged offences under the Wildlife Act and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
Mr Burke said the DSE was now leading the investigation after Bendigo police conducted a number of interviews over the kangaroo killing.
Mr Mackenzie said the mutilation of the kangaroo had generated a huge response from the community.
“There’s been an incredible amount of interest and generosity with people reaching into their own pockets,” he said.
Australian Social Network Marketing director Tom Bailey,
He said other emails had been sent to his account offering support and encouragement.
“It’s been really well received in the community, I got a lot of emails, not necessarily from people with information, just saying it was a good initiative,” he said.
“The only thing that disappointed me was that some people specified they were only doing it for the money. I had one person say this couldn’t have come at a better time, because he needed to fix his car.”
Mr Bailey said he’d like to see the money donated to WRES if there was no charges laid or no one could claim the fund.
WRES co-founder Jo Lyall said the account was separate to the work of the organisation and any donation would be that person’s choice.
“It’s entirely up to the individuals, it’s not something we raised,” she said.
“In the event that it doesn’t go to someone, then if they want their money back we have no problem with that whatsoever. They’ve put that money in in good faith.”
Ms Lyall said the kangaroo incident had a broad affect on the community and needed a swift response.
“As a community we’re not going to tolerate it,” she said.
“It’s an utterly unnecessary act and there needs to be an example made of the person responsible.
“There’s got to be a precedent set to deter the next lot that think of doing it.”