SYDNEY: Two platypuses have been found decapitated in Australia, with wildlife officials Tuesday saying they were deliberately killed in "despicable" acts of cruelty. Three of the rare mammals were discovered dead at a botanical gardens in the rural town of Albury in New South Wales, two with their heads cut off. The New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Services said the platypuses had been found over the past five weeks. "These animals appear to have been deliberately killed in a despicable act of cruelty to one of Australia's most loved animals," a spokeswoman said. Harming native animals in Australia can result in fines of up to A$11,000 or six months in jail.

Source: The Star April 11, 2017 08:26 UTC