Penguin killings theory

DOGS have been blamed for killing up to 30 penguins at a beach near Bicheno last week.

An examination of the Little penguin carcasses found at Waubs Bay Beach has shown the injuries suffered by the birds were consistent with a dog attack.

The Department of Primary Industry, Parks, Wildlife and Environment said it had received numerous calls about the incident following its appeal for public help.

“Wildlife officers are assessing the status and condition of the chicks and breeding birds in the area and will be liaising with wildlife carers,” the department said.

The department’s Wildlife Enforcement section head Luke Bond said all reports of alleged unlawful harming of wildlife were taken seriously.

“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,” Mr Bond said.

Dog attacks are believed to be the cause of two other mass penguin deaths this year.

In October, 58 penguins were killed in a suspected dog attack at Low Head, in the state’s North. Another dozen birds died in the same area in June.

Hefty fines can apply for wildlife offences.

Anyone with information to assist officers in the most recent investigation can phone 0417 661 234.