LOOKING OUT: Taz Calandruccio's house backs on to the lakes and he has found two black swans injured by dogs.

LOOKING OUT: Taz Calandruccio's house backs on to the lakes and he has found two black swans injured by dogs. Danielle Ford

DOGS and black swans are having to learn how to co-exist in Sippy Downs, after council officers received a complaint and increased patrols in the area.

Resident Taz Calandruccio recently noticed many of the birds being attacked or chased off their nest by uncontrolled dogs.

"In the last month, I've found two black swans injured by dogs that are let off leash. The first one had to be put down," he said.

"The other one was rehabilitated and returned to the lake last week. The area is on leash only for a reason and people need to just follow the rules."

Mr Calandruccio raised the issue with the Sunshine Coast Council and in a statement a spokesperson said council officers had increased patrols in the area after receiving the complaint.

"Officers will continue increased patrols in the area to ensure dog owners are keeping their dogs on lead," they said.

"Council reminds all dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead at all times unless in the provided off-leash park. Responsible pet ownership supports the local wildlife and allows all residents to enjoy the open spaces provided."

Mr Calandruccio said he was happy to hear patrols would be increased and believed more off-leash areas would be needed in the future.

"Sippy Downs is growing rapidly and I'd say most people moving into these new developments have dogs so another off-leash area would help."

It was the birds, lakes and wildlife that initially attracted Mr Calandruccio to Sippy Downs to live.

"We have black swans and a range of different ducks that come up to our back gate," he said.

"We feed them nearly every morning and the numbers have grown over the years."