Dramatic kangaroo rescue captured on camera at Maslin Beach
THE dramatic rescue of a kangaroo that was chased by a group of dogs and almost drowned in the ocean at Maslin Beach has been captured on camera. SEE THE PHOTOS
THE dramatic rescue of a kangaroo that was chased by a group of dogs and almost drowned in the ocean before being mauled by another canine at Maslin Beach has been captured on camera.
The Advertiser photographer Stephen Laffer was on scene to snap the moment the kangaroo was caught by Fauna Rescue SA on Tuesday morning.
The terrified native animal fled into the water just before 7.30am after it hopped onto the beach and was chased by three dogs that were being taken on a morning walk.
The owner was able to call back two of the dogs but one pursued the kangaroo until it was in the sea and struggling to keep its head above water.
The SES was called to rescue the kangaroo but was cancelled shortly after when the dog owner rushed into the water to save the kangaroo, carrying it to shore, before quickly taking his dogs home to avoid any further trauma.
However, while the roo was recovering on the beach, where dogs are allowed to roam off-leash, a blue heeler attacked.
It mauled the defenceless animal until it was able to be subdued by its owner.
Bystander Steve Saddlier was walking along the beach when the attack occurred and rushed to the kangaroo’s aid.
The 54-year-old picked up the distressed animal and took it to nearby sand dunes to keep it out of harm’s way, staying with it until Fauna Rescue arrived to capture it.
Mr Saddlier, who was visiting SA from Melbourne, said kangaroo was “freaked out”.
“It’s upright and alert but it’s very wonky on its feet,” he said.
“It’s having trouble breathing. It’s taken a lung full of salt water.”
Mr Saddlier said dog owners should ensure their pets are under control at all times when in public.
“If they can’t keep their dogs under control, they should be on a leash,” he said.
“Today it was a kangaroo (but) it could be others people’s dogs and it could be kids.”
His sentiments were echoed by Fauna Rescue SA member Anne Bigham, who attended the scene to capture the kangaroo and take it to a local veterinarian surgery for treatment.
She said it was unclear what injuries the animal suffered during its ordeal but it was in severe shock.
The kangaroo will be released back into the wild once given the all-clear.
Ms Bigham urged dog owners to “be responsible” when walking their pets, saying Fauna Rescue SA received “several” reports a day of dogs attacking native animals, mostly koalas.
“Make sure that if you take your dog off a lead, you have control and your dog will respond to your command ... otherwise it should be on a lead,” she said.
“If it was a dog that decided on a two-year-old, you would still have no control and it could be a disaster.
“You have a duty to our wildlife to protect it.
“They’re part of our environment and they have a right to live their life in peace.”
A spokeswoman for the RSPCA agreed.
“Taking your dog for a walk at the beach is a great way to give them physical and mental exercise,” she said.
“But by law, your dog needs to be ‘under effective control’ which means they have to be in sight of you and when you call them they come back straight away.
“If you know your dog won’t be under effective control off-lead, they need to remain on lead for the benefit and safety of everyone — animal and human — using the beach.”
The spokeswoman said people should keep in mind that native animals, such as koalas and possums, often make their way into suburbia over summer so dog owners “should be particularly watchful around recreation areas like the linear park and parklands”.