Police receive reports that little penguins were mistreated on Burnie beach

Police are looking into reports a gang of youths mistreated and injured little penguins on a Tasmanian beach, with one bird still fighting for life.

A Tasmanian bird expert has reacted with horror at news Tasmania Police is investigating reports little penguins were injured by a gang of youths on a beach in the North West on Sunday.

BirdLife Tasmania convenor Eric Woehler said it was “truly staggering that this sort of behaviour still occurs”.

“There are community groups, all volunteers, working to protect little penguins from dogs around the state, and we see this sort of indefensible and utterly unacceptable behaviour from a group of youths that beggars belief,” he added.

“We saw a similar attack a few years ago, and the Tasmanian community reacted in disgust. No doubt, we’ll see the same reaction when news of this disturbing event becomes public knowledge.”

Tasmania Police said it had received a report that several youths had mistreated penguins on the foreshore at Burnie on Sunday night.

Police were called about 6.30pm, after a member of the public witnessed the incident.

One penguin is currently in the care of a local vet and is undergoing surgery as a result of injuries sustained.

Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service has been advised and the incident is under investigation.

“Police are seeking public assistance to identify those involved, particularly a young female who was carrying a distinctive, brightly-coloured backpack,” Sergeant Ben Elliot said.

“We are urging anyone with information about the incident, including the identity of the youths, to contact Burnie Police.”

The latest penguin mistreatment investigation follows the conviction of a Burnie man in 2018 who bashed six little penguins to death.

Joshua Jeffrey had his original sentence set aside, with a Supreme Court judge saying it did not reflect community anger and changed attitudes to animal welfare.

Justice Stephen Estcourt ordered Joshua Jeffrey to carry out twice as many community service hours as originally given — increased from 49 to 98.

Jeffrey was also sentenced to two months in prison, which was suspended on the condition he commit no offence punishable by jail in the next 12 months.

Dr Woehler urged anyone with any knowledge, any piece of information, no matter how small, to contact Tas Police “so that this sort of behaviour never happens again.”

Information can be provided to police on 131 444 or to Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au.