Koroit man contests koala cruelty charges, says animal was already dead

A Koroit man faces animal cruelty charges after dragging a koala. He claimed he thought it was dead.

A 67-year-old Koroit man faces three charges under Victoria's Wildlife Act 1975 and animal cruelty laws. The man will contest two animal cruelty charges but is expected to plead guilty to unlawful wildlife handling.

On March 25, 2026, a vehicle dragged a koala along a road only in Koroit. The animal suffered severe injuries and had to be put down.

His lawyer will argue he found the koala on the roadside. He thought it was dead after physically touching it.

He intended to bury it respectfully at nearby Victoria Park. The Warrnambool Magistrates' Court hearing took place on September 11.

A barrister for the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action will argue the koala was actually alive when dragged. The case has drawn community outrage across Australia.

Why it mattersThe outcome will explain legal duties for people who find injured wildlife. It will show when help is allowed.

AustraliaThis case affects how Australians can legally respond when they find injured animals and clarifies animal welfare protections under Victorian law.

✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 19 h ago

Continue in the InSnip reader Swipe today's ten, open the Deep Dive, ask the story anything.

Next in today's edition

File image: Modern glass and blue-panel institutional building at dusk

✓ The Sydney Morning HeraldPower & Policy

Tax office worker charged over leak to organised criminals

A 32-year-old ATO official faces serious accusations. He is accused of sharing sensitive information with organised crime associates. He is also accused of possessing child abuse material.

Why it mattersThe case reveals a serious weakness in how officials work. Organised crime targets public officials who access sensitive data. This threatens law enforcement operations. This also threatens public safety.