Wildlife rescuers have been forced to put down a kangaroo after it was discovered struggling in a suburban backyard with a dart lodged in its back.
Nine News Perth reporter Scott Cunningham said the kangaroo, which was carrying a joey, was found on Sunday in The Vines, near Ellenbrook.
The golf course in the area is home to hundreds of kangaroos.
"Quite distressing for the couple who found this roo in the back of their home," Mr Cunningham said.
"It had been hit with some kind of spear or a dart that was lodged in its back, it was apparently having trouble walking.
"Quite a shocking case of animal cruelty."
The joey is being cared for by Express Wildlife Rescue representative, Andrea Marzi, who told Nine News Perth, the people who shot the kangaroo were "scum".
"I got a phone call about a distressed [kangaroo] in a backyard... as we approached, we see this green, massive thing hanging out of this [kangaroo] which was just lying there at this stage," she said.
"She was in a lot of pain, you could tell by the way she tried to move.. we could see a lot of swelling.
"We assessed it and unfortunately we had to call animal control and have the animal destroyed because [the dart] was right next to the spine...and it was in so far."
Ms Marzi said the 11-month-old joey found in the dead kangaroo's pouch was "pretty limp".
"With this [joey, he's doing] not so good, he's got blood in his nose, he's pretty limp," she said.
"She had another one also that's now running around with its dad that needs its mum, it needs the milk."
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Department of Parks and Wildlife.
