Have you seen Richard?
DEAKIN researchers are pleading for beachgoers to keep their dogs on a leash after the discovery of dead hooded plovers in Barwon Heads. The body of a mauled chick was al also found dumped in a rubbish bin at the entry point to Barwon Head’s 13th Beach.
Wildlife and conservation biology associate professor Mike Weston said it was a shameful act and showed dog attacks could be a real factor in the decline of threatened hooded plovers.
“The battle to save threatened shorebirds which breed on our beaches rages every spring and summer, as thousands of Victorians and their dogs enjoy time at the beach, and the birds desperately try to breed,” Prof Weston said.
“This is not a trivial matter. Beachgoers must obey the prevailing rules and regulations, particularly the leashing laws.”
Deakin honours student Tom Schmidt said the discovery had left the team in utter shock.
“The whole time I was thinking to myself that this must be a mistake, how could a small, flightless chick of a threatened species end up in a bin?” he said.
“The tiny body was tied into a bag containing dog faeces and the injuries were consistent with dog attack.
“The dog walking community on our beaches needs to rise to the challenge, we need them to help save this species.” GEELONG residents are being urged to keep an eye out for a missing Geelong West man who hasn’t been seen for 10 days.
Police said Richard Holloway was last seen on Eureka St about 1pm on September 18.
Mr Holloway, pictured, had been wearing blue denim jeans, slip-on shoes and a brown-and-green patterned jumper.
The 72-year-old is also known to frequent Geelong’s Eastern Gardens.
Anyone who sees Mr Holloway is urged to contact Geelong police on 5225 3100.