A shire in Western Australia's Goldfields region says it is "absolutely horrified" by a spate of violent kangaroo killings at a recreational oval.
WARNING: This story contains images that may disturb some readers.
A kangaroo was shot in the small town of Leonora on Monday night.
Then on Tuesday night two were bludgeoned to death and on Wednesday another was killed.
The ABC has also seen a photo of a joey left for dead at the same oval location.
Shire of Leonora deputy chief executive Linda Gray said staff had removed a snare that was found attached to a fence but feared more kangaroos could be killed.
"They've just been killed and left," she said.
"Naturally, people go hunting, but they go away from the town and this is within the town boundaries.
"We are absolutely horrified … this just doesn't happen in Leonora."
The grass oval in the dry outback town is popular with kangaroos at night, along with residents and dog owners, but the oval is fenced which makes it difficult for animals to escape.
Ms Gray said over the next few weeks the oval would be closed at night to stop further acts of animal cruelty.
"We've asked police to increase patrols, drive that way, and we're looking at putting cameras up there to see if we can prevent this sort of behaviour," she said.
RSPCA condemns behaviour
Leonora Police is investigating the incidents to find the people responsible and the RSPCA has also appealed for witnesses.
"We are saddened to hear about the incident in Leonora regarding the kangaroos," said an RSPCA WA spokesman.
"While we have not received an official report about this, we urge anyone who may have witnessed this horrific incident, or who knows anything about the incident, to report it to the RSPCA Cruelty Hotline on 1300 CRUELTY (278 358) or report it to local police."
The spokesman said animal cruelty was a serious criminal offence and those found guilty could face fines of up to $50,000 and imprisonment of up to five years.
