Dog attack blamed for death of penguins as authorities urge dog owners to be more responsible

A DOG attack that killed nearly 60 little penguins at Low Head has been described as “catastrophic”.

BIRDLIFE Tasmania has described the dog attack that killed nearly 60 little penguins at Low Head as “catastrophic”.

The Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment is calling for public help in relation to the death of 58 penguins at Low Head Conservation Area earlier this week.

Parks and Wildlife Service state co-ordinator compliance officer Michael Spaulding said the carcasses were taken to Mt Pleasant Laboratories for post-mortem examination.

“The pathologist was of the opinion that most birds appeared to have died as a result of a dog attack,” he said.

“Investigations into all the circumstances surrounding the deaths are continuing and so we would like to encourage anyone who may have any information to contact us to assist in our investigations.

“We would like to remind dog owners of the need to take responsibility for their animals at all times as dogs have the capacity to do a lot of damage to penguin colonies in a short period of time.”

In June, 12 penguins killed in a dog attack in the same area were found dumped in a garbage bin.

DOGS PRIME SUSPECTS IN PENGUIN DEATHS

BirdLife Tasmania convenor Eric Woehler said it was an issue that wouldn’t go away until dog owners took responsibility for their pets’ actions.

“Letting dogs loose at night is asking for trouble, especially in coastal communities around Tasmania. Tasmania has half the world’s population of little penguins, so it is critical that we protect them and their colonies,” Dr Woehler said.

“There can be no other word to describe this attack other than catastrophic.”

Dogs have the capacity to do a lot of damage to little penguin colonies in a short period of time. Picture: AAP

Dr Woehler called on the State Government to do more.

“How many more little penguins have to be killed by dogs before the Tasmanian Government acts to protect these vulnerable birds?” he said.

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

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to phone DPIPWE’s wildlife

Operations branch on 0427 437 020, the Parks and Wildlife Service on 1300 827 727 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.