Dogs prime suspects in deaths of 13 little penguins at Low Head

THIRTEEN little penguin carcasses have been found at Low Head in Tasmania’s North, prompting authorities to patrol the area.

Wildlife rangers will patrol beaches at Low Head after the discovery of 13 dead little penguins, believed to have been killed by dogs.

DOGS are again the prime suspects in the deaths of 13 little penguins at Low Head this week.

Wildlife authorities are working with the local council to patrol the area and apprehend any dogs found at large.

The bodies of 13 penguins were found at the Low Head boat ramp next to the Pilot Station on Wednesday.

The carcasses are being tested at DPIPWE’s Mt Pleasant laboratories in Launceston but the wildlife management branch suspects dogs were responsible.

The latest attack follows the discovery of 18 dead little penguins at Stanley on Tasmania’s North-West coast last year.

The owner of two dogs was prosecuted in the wake of that investigation.

The dead penguins were found near a rookery which was the scene of 14 penguin deaths just the month before.

This week’s discovery has prompted wildlife rangers to work with the George Town Council to conduct patrols in the area and contact local dog owners.

“Dog owners 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 time — even dogs that have previously shown no hunting instinct,” a department spokesman said.

“Dog access in reserves is restricted and penalties apply under the Parks and Reserves Management Act and the Dog Control Act. Owners could face fines and in some cases the dog may be destroyed.”

Anyone with information about the most recent incident is asked to contact the wildlife management branch office on 6165 4305 or 0417661 234. Information can be provided anonymously.