CONCERNED Muswellbrook resident Raylee Cooper is pleading with locals to be “vigilant” with their pets following a sickening attack at the weekend.
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The Wildlife Aid volunteer carer watched in horror as a dog entered her yard on Sunday, chased an Eastern Grey kangaroo joey – she had raised – up the street and, eventually, killed the young marsupial named Zoey.
“I was completely traumatised and am still feeling utterly distressed over the incident,” she said.
“I’d reared Zoey since June – I found her at Edderton Road after her mother had been hit by a car.
“But, nothing prepares you for what I saw.
“The dog simply chased her, grabbed her by the throat and killed her.
“I couldn’t do anything about it – I felt helpless.
“I’ll be honest, I’m worried.
“Next time, it might be a parent having to witness their child being mauled to death.”
Ms Cooper said the episode would be reported to the [Muswellbrook Shire Council] ranger, now that she had more information at her disposal.
“It’s not something I like doing, as I’m a dog owner myself,” she explained.
“However, I’ve seen it [the same dog] running around the street twice since Sunday.
“And, it’s gotten out before, too, from what I’ve been told – I have to do something.
“This situation could have easily been avoided.
“People need to be aware of where their animals are [at all times].
“They can’t just let them roam about.
“If they find out where the dog is ‘getting out’ then fix the problem.”
The weekend heartbreak won’t stop Ms Cooper from helping those in need.
“I’ve been involved in animal care for close to a decade,” she said.
“I love them.
“I have the joeys – like Bella (pictured), who is eight-nine months old – until they’re about four kilos.
“Then they go into ‘soft release’ – someone with a bigger property.
“They’re fascinating animals; and they all have their own personalities.”