news, local-news, low head, penguin, death, attack, dog, bicheno

Fourteen penguins were found dead at Low Head on the weekend with injuries consistent with a dog attack - the third attack in the area in the space of nine months. Local residents and Parks and Wildlife staff found the carcasses near the Low Head Lighthouse between Friday and Sunday last week. Necropsies completed in Launceston found some of the carcasses had injuries "consistent with a dog attack". Parks and Wildlife are maintaining a presence at the site and are monitoring the area during "dog walking time" in the early morning and evening. The attack comes after 12 penguins were found in a garbage bin at Low Head in June, later found to be the result of a dog attack. A further 58 penguins were killed in a dog attack at the Low Head conservation area in October. The incidents prompted George Town Council to recommend "irregular patrols", council dog control during penguin times and increased collaboration between the council and Parks and Wildlife. It could also result in enhanced signage, fencing and education campaigns. In a statement, the Department of Primary Industries, Parks and Water and Environment said it was "committed to ensuring appropriate protection for the iconic little penguin in Tasmania". "Significant resources are being allocated towards research and assessment, compliance and education campaigns," the statement read. The Tasmanian government also stated it was planning to set up a Penguin Advisory Group following similar dog attacks at Bicheno on the East Coast. A public meeting was held in the town after 45 penguins were killed in a dog attack in November, and a further four in January. Marine animal researchers have become increasingly concerned at a lack of research into little penguin numbers in Tasmania, and the effects of mass killing events on their future.

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