THE RSPCA wants help to track down those responsible for three dismembered kangaroos found next to a walking track in Lovely Banks.

RSPCA inspector Hugh Robinson said all three of the eastern grey kangaroos had their legs removed, and one had an ear and half of its face cut off, the Geelong Advertiser reports.

Mr Robinson said while it was difficult to say if the mutilation had occurred while the animals where alive, he suspected one of the kangaroos had been killed by being held down and having its throat cut.

"It's very odd that one has had its throat cut and another had its ear removed, and it may be that they have been tortured before being killed," he said.

"And if that is the case, then it's up there with the most serious of cases we deal with."

He said people found guilty of abusing, tormenting, or beating an animal faced fines of up to $30,000, or 12 months' jail. Those found guilty of aggravated cruelty could be fined up to $69,000, and jailed for two years.

"We have seen a trend of this sort of behaviour towards kangaroos," Mr Robinson said. "People must be so insensitive and have no empathy towards animals if they're doing this sort of thing. It's disgraceful - it's not what normal people do."

He said that as well as cruelty charges, it was also an offence to kill protected animals without a permit, punishable with fines and up to six months' jail.

Mr Robinson believes the kangaroos where probably killed elsewhere, then dumped by the walking track sometime since Friday.

Anyone with information is encouraged to telephone the RSPCA on 5223 1435 or 9224 2222.

Read more at the Geelong Advertiser.