The Dawesville community has once again been left shocked and saddened after a kangaroo was deliberately mowed down on a local street. The incident is part of a disturbing pattern of deliberate cruelty towards kangaroos in the area, with residents increasingly concerned that these attacks are happening far too often and with little regard for the welfare of local wildlife.

A pattern of deliberate cruelty, not an isolated incident

While this latest case has attracted fresh outrage, it is not the first time kangaroos in Dawesville have been deliberately targeted. Previous incidents have included kangaroos being chased, beaten, set upon by dogs, and intentionally run over on suburban streets. CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts have documented groups of people attacking kangaroos in residential areas, sometimes using weapons and dogs to inflict prolonged harm.

In one series of cases, men were filmed attacking kangaroos in front yards and on local roads, prompting investigations by police, the RSPCA, and the City of Mandurah, and leading to court appearances on animal cruelty charges. These events have deeply affected residents who value Dawesville’s wildlife as a core part of their lifestyle and local identity.

Happening far too often

For many in Dawesville, the most distressing part is the sense of repetition. Incidents involving kangaroos being chased down, run over, or attacked in suburban streets have been reported over several years, with multiple cases before the courts. Residents describe feeling worn down by the frequency of these events and are calling for stronger deterrents and more visible consequences for offenders.

Community members who chose Dawesville for its natural setting and wildlife now report feeling anxious and angry at seeing that same wildlife targeted for entertainment or cruelty. Many locals have joined calls for better enforcement, increased patrols, and stronger public messaging that animal cruelty will not be tolerated.

Community response and calls for accountability

The Dawesville community has responded with a mix of grief, anger, and determination. Residents have taken to social media, local news outlets, and community forums to share information, express their concern, and urge witnesses to report what they see. Some have advocated for a stronger local police presence, noting that response times from larger neighbouring centres can be too slow when offenders act quickly and then leave the area.

Wildlife advocates and local residents alike are calling for those responsible to be held to account through the courts, emphasising that deliberate harm to animals is inconsistent with community values. Previous prosecutions for kangaroo cruelty in Dawesville have shown that legal action is possible when evidence is collected and reported, but many believe more consistent enforcement and penalties are needed to send a clear message.

Living alongside wildlife: a shared responsibility

Dawesville’s appeal has always been closely tied to its coastal environment and abundant wildlife. For many residents, kangaroos are not pests but neighbours, a visible reminder of the area’s unique natural setting. Protecting these animals is seen as part of protecting the character of the community itself.

Community members are urging drivers to slow down, stay alert, and treat wildlife encounters with care and respect, particularly in known kangaroo areas. With sufficient lighting in place and clear awareness of local wildlife patterns, residents argue that deliberate harm has no excuse and no place on Dawesville’s streets.

As the community processes yet another distressing incident, the message from Dawesville is clear: this is happening far too often, and it needs to stop. Locals are calling for stronger accountability, more support for enforcement and education, and a renewed commitment to living alongside wildlife with the respect it deserves.