Man punches a kangaroo in the face to rescue his dog

Man punches a kangaroo in the face to rescue his dog

IT’S the punch that has divided a country.

It earned Greig Tonkins the title of #AussieLegend in some circles, while in others it was seen as an act of animal cruelty.

Earlier this week, footage of the Taronga zookeeper went viral after a wild kangaroo put his hunting dog Max in a vicious headlock while on a hunting trip in June. Mr Tonkins struck the male roo in the face with his right fist to redirect him away from the dog.

Now animal activists, including PETA and the RSPCA, have called for the 34-year-old to face prosecution for his actions.

“Punching a kangaroo in the face is neither brave nor funny, it’s illegal, as is harassing native wildlife with dogs,” PETA said in a statement.

“The man in this video should be prosecuted instead of being made out to be a national hero.”

But did his right hook actually cause an offence against state or federal law?

According to Dr Chris McGrath, barrister and senior lecturer of Environmental Regulation at the University of Queensland, it is highly unlikely Mr Tonkins will face any prosecution.

“Someone who takes reasonable steps to defend themself, another person or their property — for example, a dog — during a confrontation with a kangaroo is unlikely to commit an offence,” Dr McGrath told news.com.au.

“Someone who hits a kangaroo — or other wildlife — simply to be cruel or for “fun” may well commit an offence.

“But it appears to have happened on private land in NSW during a pig hunt that was otherwise lawful.

“The footage does not suggest the hunters were pursuing kangaroos. Mr Tonkins appears to be just separating his dog and the kangaroo.”

Dr McGrath said that while Mr Tonkins did strike the kangaroo after his dog was released from the animal’s grip, the footage suggests the punch was defensive rather than aggressive.

“The hunting party would have been armed but no one shot at the kangaroo,” he said.

“The law generally allows reasonable steps to be taken to protect life and property from damage during the course of otherwise lawful activities.

“Just as someone who uses reasonable force to strike a dog that is fighting with another dog to stop them fighting is unlikely to commit any offence, this incident does not appear to show any breach of the law.”

During Channel 9’s Today Extra program on Tuesday, TV host David Campbell said Mr Tonkins should lose his job over his actions.

“He knows the camera is on him and his first reaction is not to run away but to front up and hit him [kangaroo],” Mr Campbell said.

”People are going online saying he is a zookeeper and knows what he is doing but never in my wildest dreams have I ever gone to a zoo and seen a zookeeper punching an animal or treating an animal this way.

“If that’s the case I hope he loses his job.”

Mr Tonkins, who is employed by Taronga’s Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, has gone to ground since the video went viral.

On Tuesday, the Taronga Conservation Society said that while they support Mr Tonkins as an employee, they do not condone his actions towards the animal.

“Taronga strongly opposes the striking of animals and does not support the practice of using dogs to hunt, as this can result in negative welfare for both species,” the statement read.

“We support the guidelines outlined by the Department of Environment and Heritage in the event of confrontation with a kangaroo.

“Mr Tonkins is an experienced zookeeper and during his six years at Taronga Western Plains Zoo has always followed Taronga’s best practice approach to animal care and welfare.

“We confirm that there is no suggestion of Mr Tonkins’ employment at Taronga Western Plains Zoo ending as a result of this event.

“However, the highest standards of animal welfare and care are a core value of Taronga and one that we expect our staff to uphold in all their interactions with wildlife and we continue to work with Mr Tonkins on his conduct in regards to this incident.”

The RSPCA said despite the reasoning behind Mr Tonkins launching an attack on the kangaroo buck, they intend to investigate the footage further.

“RSPCA NSW has passed on this information to our Inspectorate and a formal investigation has been launched,” the statement, provided to news.com.au read.

“We are unable to comment further on an open investigation, but will have an update in time once the details of this incident are thoroughly investigated.”

Mr McGrath said the circumstances around the attack do not indicate any offence occurred.

“The RSPCA saying they have passed on the information to their Inspectorate and a formal investigation has been launched does not suggest anything more to me than they are looking at it and exercising appropriate due diligence.

“I very much doubt they will pursue the matter further.”

News.com.au has contacted Mr Tonkins for comment.