Call for Public Information on Penguin Deaths

Media release – Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, Wednesday 12 January 2022

Call for public information on penguin deaths

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania (NRE Tas) continues to investigate the deaths of little penguins at Burnie late last year.

Seventeen little penguins were found dead at West Beach on 31 December 2021. Post-mortem investigations conducted at the NRE Tas Animal Health Laboratory show the penguins died as a result of dog attack.

Parks and Wildlife Service state compliance coordinator Michael Spaulding said the department is now looking for public assistance to help identify a dog captured on CCTV camera in the area around the time of the attacks.

“It is possible this dog is the animal responsible for the penguin deaths,” Mr Spaulding said. “We ask anyone who may have information to assist with identifying this dog to please make contact with us.”

The incident is a timely reminder that dog owners must be responsible for their animals at all times.

“Dogs can cause a lot of damage to penguin colonies very quickly,” Mr Spaulding said. “It is important owners control or contain their pets effectively.”

Dog access in reserves is restricted and penalties apply under the National Parks and Reserves Land Regulations 2009 and the Dog Control Act 2000.

Changes to the Dog Control Act in 2019 give greater protection to sensitive wildlife, with a new offence for instances where a dog injures or kills sensitive wildlife in declared areas.

Anyone with information about the dog pictured or about the penguin deaths at West Beach is asked to contact Parks and Wildlife Compliance on 0488 184 847 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information can also be emailed to compliance@nre.tas.gov.au   Information will be treated confidentially.