Michael Shannon Gentles, 36, pleaded guilty at Milton Local Court on Thursday, November 15 to one count of committing an act of cruelty towards the kangaroo.

Gentles had previously pleaded guilty to one charge of throw or propel an object likely to cause damage or injury. However, the charge was withdrawn.

Facts tendered to the court said he was using trees as archery targets in the Murramarang National Park about 10.30am on June 23.

As the accused released an arrow from the bow a kangaroo jumped in front of the targeted tree.

Gentles stated he did not know whether the kangaroo had been struck. He went to investigate, but the animal hopped away.

Despite searching for the animal, he could not find it. He then left the area and drove away “because he thought he did something wrong”, police facts said.

Guests of the Merry Beach Caravan Park, Kioloa, noticed the kangaroo with an arrow lodged in its left rear hind leg, They then contacted police. 

Staff had tried to help the kangaroo, but it fled into the nearby bush. The arrow came loose and staff retrieved it. 

When police arrived they observed the kangaroo without an arrow, but it was unable to move and appeared to be in distress, hissing at people as they came closer.

A kangaroo expert arrived and directed the animal should be put down. A joey was found to be in its pouch and the appropriate agencies took care of the baby.

Later on, when the accused was questioned by police, he appeared remorseful, upset and stated it was an accident. 

Gentles was sentenced to 80 hours community service and was placed on an eight-month community corrections order.