A Sunbury man who shot a kangaroo in the head with a crossbow may be jailed for animal cruelty.

James Johnathon Calleja, 34, faced Bendigo Magistrates Court on Thursday for sentencing.

James Johnathon Calleja, 34, who shot kangaroo in the head with a crossbow, leaves court on Thursday. Credit:Noni Hyett

The kangaroo, known as "Spot", lived with the arrow in his head for almost a month after the shooting near Woodend on August 12 before wildlife officers were able to tranquilise him and perform surgery.

Spot – a 75-kilogram male eastern grey kangaroo – died of shock on September 12, three days after the surgery, the Bendigo Advertiser reports.