POLICE are investigating an alleged case of animal cruelty after several lambs were targeted with a bow and arrow.

The animals were allegedly targeted at a Basalt farm, located between Eganstown and Shepherds Flat, on the morning of Saturday, June 22.

Two lambs, one only ten days old, were later found deceased by the farmer, who concluded his animals had been shot by arrows.

He reported the act to Daylesford Police and Hepburn Shire Council, who attended the property on June 27 as part of an ongoing investigation.

In other news:

A compound bow and arrow, such as that which is used in archery, is legal to possess in Victoria and can be purchased from sporting shops without a license. Crossbows, however, are classified as a prohibited weapon.

A spokesperson for Agriculture Victoria said it was aware of the alleged animal cruelty incident involving the lambs and was working with Hepburn Shire Council and Victoria Police in investigating it.

WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT BELOW

It comes amid a number of other alleged animal cruelty cases which police are investigating, including a similar incident in which kangaroos were shot at with a bow and arrow in Greenvale and another where a dog and cat were baited with poison in Darley.

Both of the animals were treated at a vet and are expected to survive their ordeal.

Manfred Zabinskas, who runs the Five Freedoms Animal Rescue in East Trentham, has been rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife for more than three decades.

He said earlier this month that during the past ten years he has seen an increase in disturbing instances of animal cruelty, particularly in regards to wildlife being purposefully targeted with a bow and arrow.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the Basalt incident, or who saw any people or vehicles in the areas of Old Werona Road or Basalt Road on the morning of June 22, to contact Daylesford Police Station on 5348 2342 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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