An Australian court has sentenced a man to a 15-month jail term for cruelty towards a kangaroo. He pleaded guilty last December to committing an act of aggravated animal cruelty.
Australian man to spend 15 months in jail
Michael Anthony Holmes, a 61-year-old Australian, has been sentenced to jail by a Queanbeyan local court after pleading guilty. His sentence also comes with an 8-month non-parole period.
According to reports, he tied a rope to a kangaroo’s neck and dragged it along the road in a sheer act of cruelty. The kangaroo sustained severe injuries leading to deformities that required rescuers to euthanise it.
The court defended Holmes’ immediate sentencing, noting that he posed a risk to the community. His lack of remorse was further criticised by a magistrate of the court.
“The kangaroo had to be euthanised. (Holmes) caused immense suffering to the animal. That sort of behaviour is just absolutely appalling,” the magistrate, Roger Clisdell, said.
Per court documents, Holmes tied a nylon rope around the kangaroo’s neck, attached the other end of the rope to his vehicle, and dragged the animal for about 400 metres. After the act, he left the animal with the rope around its neck.
A woman found the animal severely deformed but alive. She called the animal rescue organisation, Wildcare, after finding the injured animal.
After identifying Holmes, the police visited him, and he admitted his actions with no remorse. He told the police he moved the animal so it would not die on his property and described kangaroos as jumping rats and vermin.
Court sentencing makes a stand for animal rights
The swift sentencing of Michael Holmes to jail indicates the importance of respecting animal rights. Many people described Holmes’ sentencing as a win for animal rights.
Natalie Patrick, one of Wildcare’s coordinators, strongly supports the court sentence.
“His custodial sentence will hopefully deter other people from committing these senseless acts of cruelty and torture against wildlife,” she said.
Similarly, the Animal Justice Party in a post on X mentioned that the sentencing matters, even though it cannot undo the suffering the kangaroo endured. It stated that Kangaroos are sentient beings protected by the law.
Additionally, the Animal Justice Party appreciated Wildlife Rescue for its efforts in saving the animal. The group also called on the public to report animal cruelty.