news, national

A string of little penguin mass killings in Tasmania has prompted the state government to launch an urgent review of dog control laws. More than 160 of the birds have died in dog attacks over the past year, including 58 in a single massacre in October at Low Head Conservation Area in the state's north. The government on Thursday announced it would look to strengthen penalties for dog owners who don't control their animals. "The review will be progressed as a priority, noting that the peak breeding season for little penguins occurs over the summer months," Minister for Primary Industries and Water Guy Barnett said. Conservationists have backed the move and want laws toughened before summer. "Far too many penguins have been killed by dogs around Tasmania in the last few years," Dr Eric Woehler, BirdLife Tasmania convenor, said. "Each of these attacks was completely unnecessary - if the dogs' owners had controlled their dogs, these penguins would still be alive and getting ready to breed in the next few months." Little penguins, also known as fairy penguins, on average weigh one kilogram. The most recent dog attack claimed the lives of 18 birds at West Ulverstone in May. Under the Dog Control Act 2000, the owner or person in charge of a dog must ensure that the dog is not at large or risk a fine of up to $815. Australian Associated Press

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Law review after Tas penguin killings