Report updated on Stanley penguin deaths

By Circular Head Chronicle 

Stanley. Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) and Circular Head Council have conducted a joint investigation after 18 little penguins were found dead last week near a rookery in Stanley.

PWS state compliance coordinator Justin Helmich said the dead penguins were forensically examined and predator attack was identified as the likely cause.

“As a result of that investigation, a number of people have been interviewed and an infringement notice has been issued in respect of a number of dog control related offences,” Mr. Helmich said.

“While there is no evidence to link this attack to other recent attacks on the north-west coast, it is extremely disturbing that it appears once again, that a dog [or dogs] have been responsible for a large number of penguin deaths.”

Dogs were suspected to be responsible for the deaths of 14 little penguins at the Stanley penguin viewing area last month; however the state of the penguin carcasses did not allow for a definitive cause of death to be identified.

“We are asking the community to ensure their dogs are kept in secure yards and not allowed to roam unsupervised,” Mr. Helmich said.

“If dogs are found to be harming penguins, dogs may be seized, impounded and declared a dangerous dog.”

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