WILDLIFE protection group have called for a ban on 'backyard' bows and arrows following the use of such weapons in the killing of four native animals.
Wildlife Victoria and Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network have called for stricter laws to stop such attacks.
"Gisborne and Macedon Ranges community is stunned by such an incident and that the perpetrators were teenagers," Gisborne resident and wildlife rescuer Fiona Corke said.
"The State Government needs to seriously have a review of their laws and needs to classify bows and arrows as registered weapons that require a licence to own," Ms Corke said.
Gisborne's Senior Constable Paul Philby said a 14-year-old Gisborne boy and a 16-year-old from Sunbury had been questioned over the killing of two brush-tailed possums and two sulfur-crested cockatoos.
He said one of the boys was "cautioned" about the killings and the other about possession of fireworks.
"Police say... they [boys] were shooting still targets and wanted to see what it is like shooting a live target," Ms Corke said.
"Next it could be someone's pet; it's a grave concern if it continues to happen. It is cruel and an unnecessary 'sport'.
"There have been numerous sightings of animals with arrows in them that rescue workers have been unable to help.
"Since the arrows cannot be removed it means the animals will develop infections that leads to a slow and painful death."
Ms Corke stressed the importance of parents monitoring children who were in possession of bows and arrows.
"I would definitely support a ban from backyard archery. There should be no practising archery outside of an archery club."
Senior Constable Philby said fireworks were found in the home of one of the boys when police executed a search warrant while investigating the animals' death. "Due to their age, the law classifies them as children.
"Also, they have never been in trouble with the police before and have co-operated with us on this case. Due to their age and co-operation, the boys fit the criterion for the police cautioning program.
"Police can prove that offences have been committed - and the boys have admitted to committing them - but under the circumstances, rather than charge them and go before the court, they get a caution warning.
"They have to forfeit all their seized property - bows and arrows worth $1200 from the two boys - and ensure that they behave themselves and don't commit similar offences for five years."
Government spokesman Cameron Scott said crossbows were prohibited weapons in Victoria and other bows might fall within the definition of a dangerous article, depending on the circumstances of their use. "Regardless of this, any form of animal cruelty is an offence and is a reprehensible act [and for] that we have laws to deal with in Victoria."
Report animal cruelty to police, RSPCA or Wildlife Victoria, 1300094535.
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