Dog owners could face two years in prison and fork out almost $50,000 in fines if they are found to have contributed to the deaths of four endangered hooded plover chicks at beaches in Ocean Grove and Fairhaven.
The deaths followed community reports of off-leash dogs chasing hooded plover chicks inside an exclusion zone at Ocean Grove on 10 and 18 December last year.
An investigation is also underway into the death of a hooded plover chick after a reported dog attack at Fairhaven.
The deceased chick at Fairhaven 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 23 December.
Roped off exclusion zones are in place at both beaches to protect local populations of the threatened species, but are often ignored.
The Conservation Regulator and Crime Stoppers Victoria are appealing for information.
“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 hooded plover’s conservation status in Victoria is listed as ‘vulnerable’ with fewer than 700 birds remaining.
Plover chicks are unable to fly until they are about five-weeks old and are highly vulnerable to dogs, foxes, other birds, high tides and humans. They have a very low survival rate.
Friends of the Hooded Plover Bellarine works to protect the ‘hoodies’ between Point Lonsdale and Breamlea during the breeding season from September to April.
Volunteers act as ‘guardians’ on the beach, engaging with the public and a team of volunteers monitor the birds and enter observations into Birdlife Australia’s online data portal.
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.
