Outrage over ‘catastrophic’ penguin kill

BIRDLIFE Tasmania has described a suspected dog attack that killed 58 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 the penguins at Low Head Conservation Area, 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 were found dumped in a garbage bin in the same area after a dog attack.

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

Dr Woehler said photos of dead little penguins at Bicheno last year showed the animals in a posture that is typical of when they are killed by dogs.

“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.

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

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?”

Dog access in reserves is restricted and penalties apply.

Anyone with information about the penguin deaths is asked to phone the department’s Wildlife Operations Branch on 0427 437 020, Parks and Wildlife Service on 1300 827 727 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.