Media Releases

Statement from WIRES regarding recent animal cruelty case

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

WIRES takes complaints of animal cruelty seriously. We are obligated and have a duty of care under our Biodiversity Conservation Licence with National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to respond to the mistreatment of animals and report to the RSPCA. This responsibility is not discretionary; it is incumbent on WIRES as an animal welfare organisation to fulfil its duty to protect native wildlife.

WIRES has received numerous enquiries regarding the sentencing of an ex-WIRES member last week. This cruelty case was brought by the RSPCA when the kangaroo in question was found unable to stand and emaciated after almost five months in care and with an undiagnosed broken leg.  However, the ex-members response to WIRES’ request for information regarding the animal’s welfare was that the animal was improving and recovering well, was of great concern to WIRES. Any macropod compromised to this extent is suffering and has no chance of survival. 

All the evidence involving this case was presented by the RSPCA in court and relevant comments by the magistrate regarding the animal’s suffering included in the RSPCA’s media release are as follows:

The Court found that the defendant had a “misguided and misplaced confidence in her own ability that is very troubling”, evident in her willingness to administer prescription drugs without a prescription or veterinary direction, to pronounce her own diagnoses of the animal’s condition, and to experiment with splints, physiotherapy, massage and “Bowen therapy”. 

The defendant demonstrated a completely unfounded hope in the recovery of the animal and the possibility of its eventual release, contrary to her own training and experience.

As has been reported by the RSPCA, despite the kangaroo having been immobile for 4-5 months, the ex-WIRES member did not believe that veterinary treatment was necessary and instead sought to rehabilitate the animal independently. After the RSPCA removed the kangaroo from the property, a veterinarian determined that the kangaroo’s physical condition was so compromised that it was cruel to keep her alive and she was humanely euthanised.

A story recently broadcast on The Project concerning the conviction failed to show the dire condition of the kangaroo which can be seen in a video which was tendered in the prosecution. An extract of the video can be accessed here. Please be advised that the video contains footage of an animal in distress, which some viewers may find upsetting. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.

Further details on this case are available here in the RSPCA’s full media release: https://www.rspcansw.org.au/news-and-updates/blue-mountains-woman-convicted-of-aggravated-animal-cruelty-after-failing-to-provide-veterinary-treatment-to-kangaroo-in-her-care/

For more than 40 years, WIRES has remained dedicated to supporting our volunteers and their invaluable work rescuing and protecting Australian wildlife and will continue to uphold our commitment to the welfare and care of native animals.

Contact media@wires.org.au for enquiries or call 0416 272 153.

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