Jennifer Pittorino
Friends of Newells Paddock was left devastated on Sunday, August 3, when an off leash dog killed three swans.
President Bruce Dickinson said the community was left devastated and in shock by the killing of the two parents and one baby cygnet.
“The swans are an important part of the local area, people have loved watching them learn to fly and go into their adult lives,” he said.
“Especially those particular swans that come back year after year, we estimate since 2018 they have raised 20 cygnets into adulthood.”
The family of swans have been preceding at the paddock for close to ten years, Mr Dickinson they move between ponds happily.
“They have become part of the local area so it is a real loss, and we don’t know what is going to happen with the other swans and if they will come back.”
This is not the first attack Mr Dickinson has noticed , he said in the past few weeks there have been other encounters with the swans and other animals.
He hopes that these stories will shed awareness on keeping dogs on leads around areas with wildlife and signage.
“Dogs can go crazy and you can’t control a dog once it gets into a frenzy, you can’t stop them,” he said.
Mayor Sarah Carter said the death of the swans is of concern to the community and council.
“Maribyrnong River Reserve and the neighbouring Heavenly Queen Temple are on-lead dog areas,” she said.
“This means no dog should be off lead at any time.”
Council said the law states dogs must be on-lead when outside the owners property except for designated off-lead areas, fines of up to $192 can be given to owners of any dog found off-lead in an on-lead area.
“These measures are in place to protect our precious native wildlife and ensure our parks and reserves are safe and enjoyable for all residents,” she said.
“Council is investigating the latest incident and will prosecute the owner if identified.”
Council said staff will be patrolling the area and auditing current signage to ensure visitors are aware of the requirements if they are bringing dogs with them into the area.
The three surviving cygnets have been rescued by Wildlife Victoria and are in the care of the Melbourne Zoo.
If you see sick or injured wildlife, call 8400 7300.
Details to council on 9688 0200.
