Cops probe leads on animal dealths

Kim Waters
Police were yesterday investigating the killing of three animals at a Bellarine Peninsula school on the weekend.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said police on the peninsula were “following some leads” on the slaughter of two rabbits and a guinea pig in an enclosure at Bellarine Secondary College.
Assistant principal Jonathon Shepherd said the killings had shocked students and staff.
“As a community there are mixed emotions but we are very, very upset,” he said.
“Some of the students are really upset and there’s a bit of anger from others.”
Mr Shepherd refused to confirm a report the attackers had strung up the carcasses in the school grounds.
“Let’s just say they were killed,” he said.
Animal welfare worker Tehree Gordon, who operates Barwon Heads’ Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary, called the killings a “tragedy”.
She urged residents to report “unusual incidents” involving animals to police.
“We have to realise that cruelty to animals, people and children is unfortunately part of our society and the tragedy is that young people with torches were seen walking near the school on Saturday night but nothing was done about it.” she said.
“They may not have been the guilty ones but when we see something unusual we don’t just look the other way.”
Ms Gordon appealed for people with information to come forward.
“There has to be a problem for a person to lash out and take the life of another being.”
“Ideally, for parents or anyone who knows who these people are, we need to find out what caused this.”
Ms Gordon said she had been involved with the animals as part of Bellarine Secondary College’s agriculture program for a number of years.
“It’s a school well-known for community service and for looking after animals.
“It’s a great school and it’s a tragedy for teachers and students but, above all, for the people involved.”