Wallaby on the loose on Montreal’s South Shore

The SPCA on the South Shore reported that a wallaby, which was in a cage in a barn, got loose.

A juvenile wallaby is on the loose in the Boucherville area south of Montreal, after it escaped from an inadequate facility in a stable.

The Galahad SPCA said that the animal ran away and was spotted in a field.

*A prior version of this story reported the animal as a ‘kangaroo.’ Animal Rescue later confirmed that it is a wallaby.

“The story begins earlier this week when a simple visit to a boarding stable in the greater Montreal area led to a report of a baby kangaroo kept alone in a stable box,” the SPCA said. “According to the obtained information, the animal did not have adequate facilities or minimum conditions necessary for its well-being.”

The SPCA said no permits for a wild animal of this kind were issued and that it “could be an illegal detention and potentially a poaching case.”

The organization added that the case illustrates the problems with illegal exotic animal trade and movement between Ontario and Quebec.

“Exotic animals are not toys, photo props or amusements intended to entertain children,” the SPCA said. “These are living beings with extremely complex needs that require specialized knowledge, suitable facilities and valuable resources.”

Sauvetage Animal Rescue is working to capture the animal and transfer to a safe place.

“Exotic animals are recovered each year after being impulsively bought, resold or kept in inadequate conditions,” the message continues. “Today, it’s a young kangaroo potentially paying the price.”