Twelve little penguins found dumped in a garbage bin are believed to have been killed by dogs.
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The carcasses were discovered last Wednesday at Low Head Coastal Reserve and a post-mortem was carried out by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment.
The examination found the birds injuries were consistent with a dog attack.
“DPIPWE wildlife rangers are continuing to investigate the incident and are working with the local council to conduct patrols and contact dog owners in the area,” a spokeswoman said.
“It’s important for dog owners to take responsibility for their animals at all times.
“Dog owners could face fines and in some cases the dog may be destroyed if found to be responsible for taking wildlife.”
It is not the first time dead penguins have been found on Tasmania’s coastlines.
In an unrelated matter in 2016, two teens were charged after nine penguins were found slaughtered at Sulphur Creek in the state's North-West.
Joshua Leigh Jeffrey, who was 18 at the time of the deaths, was convicted in April this year.
Throughout court proceedings, it was revealed Jeffrey and a male youth killed the penguins with sticks.
He was convicted of one count of aggravated cruelty to animals likely to result in death, deformity or serious disablement and one count of take, buy, sell or possess protected wildlife without authority.
He is expected to be sentenced in Burnie this month.
Last year, 20 penguins were found washed up on beaches in the state’s North.
An investigation, however, found none of the birds showed evidence of dog attacks or signs of disease.
Instead, it was believed environmental changes were behind the deaths.
Anyone with information about the latest penguin deaths at Low Head should contact the department’s Wildlife Operations Branch on 0427 437 020 or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.