A kangaroo with a joey in the pouch has been shot twice with a bow and arrow in an act of animal cruelty that has horrified animal welfare officers.

The female eastern grey kangaroo was found with two arrows piercing its back and side.

Wildlife officers managed to track down the injured marsupial today after it was first spotted yesterday at Endeavour Hills in Melbourne's south-eastern outskirts.

The kangaroo was shot with a tranquiliser and taken to Healesville Sanctuary for an emergency operation to remove the arrows.

Wildlife Victoria spokeswoman Amy Amato said: "Unfortunately, it did have a live joey in the pouch, which we are unable to find."

Officers will search for the joey, but hold little hope for its survival.

"It's another horrific act of cruelty out here in the east," Ms Amato added.

'We've seen many acts of cruelty on our native wildlife. I just can't understand what people are thinking."



Police will investigate the matter.