A Keilor man says he’s lucky to be alive after an altercation with an antagonised kangaroo in his backyard.
Justin Lewis, 28, was left with at least 12 deep scratches across his upper body after trying to fend off a two-metre kangaroo that jumped into his backyard on October 15.
His sister, Gloria, awoke that morning to the yelps of their pet husky. She ran to its aid and was shocked to see an eastern grey kangaroo attacking the family’s other pet dog, a 12-year-old Pomeranian called Monty.
Ms Lewis said she called Wildlife Victoria for help and was advised to bang pots and pans or any household objects to distract the roo.
That’s when her brother went outside and began hitting a broom head against a bench seat in a bid to divert the kangaroo’s attention away from Monty.
But he soon became the object of the towering kangaroo’s attention.
“It all happened so quickly,” Ms Lewis said. “He used his arms to protect himself, and used the broom as a barrier, but it broke the broom.
“It looked like it was going to kick Justin, so my dad and partner ran out and rescued him.”
Justin said the roo began clawing at him, and looked like it was preparing to deliver him a lethal kick.
“I pushed my hand out towards its head to disorient it, but it nicked the top off my finger,” he said. “When I replay the scene in my head, it feels like something straight out of a movie – it was just so surreal.”
Their father and Gloria’s partner managed to grab Monty, who was rushed to an emergency veterinary hospital. However, the vet was unable to save the dog, and he was put down that morning. Mr Lewis then went to a doctor’s clinic in Mill Park to have his wounds tended.
The family has lamented the lack of support they received – they also called the council, but no one turned up.
“For something like this to occur is bizarre, but it has the potential to be fatal,” Ms Lewis said.
