Two teenage boys have been charged after 14 kangaroos were 'deliberately' killed on the New South Wales South Coast.
The 17-year-olds are accused of using a four-wheel-drive vehicle to mow the Eastern Greys down late last week in the Batemans Bay suburb of Long Beach.
Authorities were called early in the morning after locals reported a sea of dead roos in the area.
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Police and volunteers from animal rescue group WIRES Wildlife Rescue found the bodies of five adult kangaroos and one joey in one part of the suburb.
They later found another seven dead roos at Maloney's Beach.
One joey was found alive and it has since been taken into care by WIRES.
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The group issued a statement on Facebook condemning those who are responsible for the 'senseless' acts of violence against the defenceless animals.
"It is a tragic and senseless act that has left an indelible mark on our dedicated Mid South Coast branch volunteers who attended the scene, as well as the local residents," they said.
"A single surviving joey was located nearby on Saturday morning by a member of the public.
"She has been aptly nicknamed 'Hope' and is now in care with local WIRES member Shelley. We will continue to update you on Hope's progress.
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"We thank the community for their efforts in reporting and assisting Police with their investigations into this incident."
New South Wales Police has confirmed the two local teenagers were charged yesterday (October 11).
"The pair were issued a Court Attendance Notice (CAN) for recklessly beat and kills animal," NSW Police said in a statement. "They are due to appear at a children's court on Friday 22 November 2021."
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Australia