Dog attacks kill threatened plover chicks, witnesses sought

THE Conservation Regulator and Crime Stoppers Victoria are appealing for information following the recent deaths of four hooded plover chicks at Fairhaven and Ocean Grove.

Roped-off exclusion zones are in place at both beaches to protect local populations of the threatened species.

The Conservation Regulator is investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of three chicks at Ocean Grove in December.

The deaths followed community reports of dogs chasing hooded plover chicks on December 10 and December 18, inside an exclusion zone.

An investigation is also underway into the death of a hooded plover chick after a reported dog attack at Fairhaven.

The deceased chick was found alongside dog pawprints, human footprints and disturbed sand, directly under signage stating ‘No Dogs’, inside an exclusion zone.

The chick appeared to have suffered a broken neck and a puncture wound. Investigators are looking into a report that the bird was attacked by a dog just after 10am on December 23.

Witnesses to the dog attacks are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a report via crimestoppers.vic.gov.au.

Under the Wildlife Act 1975, allowing a dog to hunt, take or destroy a threatened species is a crime, with the maximum penalty being two years in prison and a fine of more than $48,800.

“The recent dog attacks emphasise how vulnerable and defenceless hooded plover chicks are – they can’t escape from threats like dogs, as they’re too young to fly,” Conservation Regulator forest and wildlife officer Monique Cugliari said.

“We’re appealing for help from the public to identify the owners of these dogs. Significant penalties apply for individuals whose dogs attack or chase hooded plovers.”

The beach-nesting birds’ troubles are part of a broader challenge for the species.

Recent reports noted low survival rates even in other nesting areas along the coast, where some chicks have failed to survive or fledge. For examples of ongoing local hooded plover news and conservation context, see Sad end for Barwon Heads’ Hooded Plovers and Watch out for just-hatched hoodies.

Crime Stoppers Victoria Stella Smith said anyone who knew anything about these two incidents or suspected other wildlife crime could tell Crime Stoppers what they knew anonymously at crimestoppers.vic.gov.au or phone 1800 333 000.