Rangers track down dog following series of horrific penguin maulings in Burnie

Tasmanian rangers are attempting to track down a dog following a horrific series of penguin maulings on New Year’s Eve.

Rangers are attempting to track down a dog in Burnie following a horrific series of penguin maulings on New Year’s Eve.

It comes after 17 little penguins were found dead at West Beach on December 31, and a post-mortem study found they were killed by a dog attack.

A dog was filmed on CCTV footage in the area shortly after the attacks, and Parks and Wildlife Service is asking members of the public to help identify the animal.

APPALLING: Parks and Wildlife are attempting to track down a dog after a horrific penguin mauling Picture: Supplied

State compliance co-ordinator Michael Spaulding said this served as a grim reminder of how important it was for dog owners to keep their pets under control at all times.

“Dogs can cause a lot of damage to penguin colonies very quickly. It is important owners control or contain their pets effectively,” Mr Spaulding said.

“We ask anyone who may have information to assist with identifying this dog to please make contact with us.”

This is just one of the latest maulings of penguins, which have long fallen prey to dogs and cats in Tasmania.

Dog access in reserves is restricted and penalties apply under the National Parks and Reserves Land Regulations 2009 and the Dog Control Act 2000.

Changes to the Dog Control Act in 2019 give greater protection to sensitive wildlife, with a new offence for instances where a dog injures or kills sensitive wildlife in declared areas.

Anyone with information about the dog pictured or about the penguin deaths at West Beach is asked to contact Parks and Wildlife Compliance on 0488 184 847 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Information can also be emailed to [e-mail] Information will be treated confidentially.