A Hobsons Bay animal rescuer is in “shock and absolute disgust” after a cygnet was mauled to death by a dog at Altona’s Cherry Lake.
Grace Garbowski, who volunteers with BADGAR and Wildlife Victoria, said a passerby saw the baby swan attacked this month by a loose dog in an on-leash area.
She said the dog’s owner, who fled the scene, had been asked just moments before the attack to put her dog on a lead.
Ms Garbowski has reported the incident to police. She said many people were ignoring signs advising people that dogs must be restrained.
“Last year, a mother swan and her babies were mauled to death due to an off-lead German shepherd at the conservation end of Cherry Lake in the reeds.
“In recent months I have also found a few Eurasian coots right near the walking track.
“This cygnet attack is yet another indication of irresponsible pet ownership and complete ignorance and disregard for the law.”
Hobsons Bay mayor Sandra Wilson said there were 14 off-lead reserves.
“I am saddened by the reported death of a cygnet [due to] a dog whose owner was not being responsible,” she said. “The entire Cherry Lake precinct is an on-lead area.”
She said council officers patrolled on-leash areas and anyone caught breaking the law could face a $200 fine.
» hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au or call BADGAR, 1300 223 427
