Posted June 27, 2017 18:06:16

Photo: The kangaroo had been shot at least three times, authorities say. (Supplied: Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning )

A dead kangaroo has been found dressed up and tied to a chair on the side of a road in Melbourne's outer north-east, prompting a stern warning from Victorian authorities investigating the incident.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) said the kangaroo was found on Plenty Road in Mernda draped in a shawl, with a cap and a bottle of ouzo propped in its arms in a "tasteless stunt".

DELWP said the kangaroo had been shot at least three times.

"This is appalling and immoral behaviour and we are urging anyone with information to come forward," DELWP senior investigator Mike Sverns said.

"It would have taken some time to stage the kangaroo in that position on the side of the road and we are certain that someone would have seen something, given the public area and traffic flow of this main road."

DELWP said anyone found to have unlawfully killed protected wildlife could face fines from $7,500 to $36,500, or be jailed for six to 24 months.

"Killing and interfering with protected native wildlife are serious offences," Mr Sverns said.

"We are urging anyone living in the communities of Mernda, Doreen, and Yarrambat to assist us with our investigation."

Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers.

Topics: animals, law-crime-and-justice, animal-welfare, mernda-3754, melbourne-3000, vic